Successful study tips & TRICKS Life’s too short – Don’t waste your time…….. Successful study tips & TRICKS

Does this seem familiar? Honey, it’s time to study. You know you have exams coming up soon!

A chance to focus… Create a quiet, organised study space. Create a Term planner – add all Assessment tasks, exams and important events. Consider whether a Study Timetable would work for you. Even without one, plan specific study time for most days of the week. Study space – out of traffic zone, desk, chair, pinboard & well lit. Term Planner – file attached

Eliminate distractions… Use these as rewards & check them in your break times.

Know how you learn… Hyperlink attached to Learning styles quiz.

Visual learners… Create graphic organizers such as diagrams and concept maps/ mind maps. When trying to remember information, close your eyes and visualize the information. Include illustrations as you take notes in class. Use highlighter pens of contrasting colours to colour code different aspects of the information in your textbooks. Ideas to help you learn and remember - Visual

Visual learners… Watch videos about topics you are studying in class. Summarise your written notes from class using different fonts, bold print, and underlining to make the most important concepts and facts visually apparent. Take notes as you listen in class, even if not required too.

Auditory learners… Participate in study groups in which you can talk things out. If allowed by your teacher, use a recording device to record class sessions. Use the recordings to support your written notes. Use a recording device to record important information from your textbooks so that you can listen to the information as frequently as needed. Work out math problems aloud, explaining to yourself the steps you are doing. Ideas to help you learn and remember - Auditory

Auditory learners… Repeat facts and definitions of words over and over to yourself with your eyes closed. Create musical jingles or songs to remember information. Participate in class discussions as much as possible. Look for audiobooks or other audio materials when learning about a subject. Read aloud when doing proofreading and editing.

Tactile/Kinaesthetic learners… Be physically active while you study. Rather than just sit at your desk, occasionally walk back and forth with your textbook or notes as you read the information out loud. Make extensive use of a computer and the Internet. Actively touching the keyboard will keep your mind active. Study in short blocks of time with frequent but short breaks.

Tactile/Kinaesthetic learners… Act out things whenever possible. Construct models of things you have to learn whenever possible. When trying to remember information, write the quote/ formula etc. many times. Picture the information in your mind as you do so. Use concrete objects to help you understand math concepts. Ideas to help you learn and remember - Tactile/ Kinaesthetic Remind them most people DO use a combination of these learning styles

Note taking skills… Write neatly or type. Colour code or highlight important terms/ quotes/ concepts or formulae. Annotate around the written notes/text on printed pages. You can also use Word. Don’t crowd the page & leave a margin. Box important info to learn for tests. Use words you understand & define ones you don’t. Add graphics where suitable.

How to summarise… Read the information & highlight key info (facts, expert opinions, theories, quotes, formulae, contentious issues, syllabus objectives etc.) Don’t highlight whole paragraphs Using dot-points, write the main points or key words . Paraphrase so you understand it. Use abbreviations to shorten it (&, b/w, incl. ->) Develop your own set. Before exams or when memorising – summarise your summaries further.

Be proactive… Don’t waste class time. Use you “free” periods to do homework, summarise, revise or discuss lessons and clarify problems – then you have more free time at home. Seek help when needed – from teacher, friends, Mentor/tutor or others. Write your goals and stick them up – read them and take steps to achieve them every day!

Balance your lifestyle… Time management is essential… You need a social life/ study balance. Physical exercise is vital for stress management (and health obviously…) Eat a healthy diet, including breakfast!) Get 7-8 hours sleep per night. Don’t let social media rule your life – actual person to person interaction is important.

Mix organisation & determination with relaxation…

Need more help? Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help or advice, they are happy to see you’re keen to learn. CREST Senior Mentoring Program has been specifically set up to help you achieve to the best of your abilities – BUT you must be proactive & make time to get the most from it. Seek tutors or online help.

Bibliography: http://www.how-to-study.com/ Free online study resources http://www.how-to-study.com/learning-style- assessment/ links to an online learning style test. http://www.educationcorner.com/study-skills.html http://www.studyvibe.com.au/ - free to join & good site https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3bek3F2E1E How to summarise (3 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1nHtq10HD4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAhRf3U50lM

Memory quiz…