Exploring Different Kinds of Studying

Studying can be difficult… Most people don’t actually know how to study! It can also seem like an impossible task as there is so much to learn for so many subjects, in a short amount of time!

What is the point in studying? If you learn something new, in general it will already start fading in your mind after a few hours. However, if you revise it again in the next four hours, it will take about 24 hours before it starts to fade. Revise it in the 24 hour period and it will last for four days, then one and a half weeks, then one month, and so on.

We remember: 10% of what we read 20% of what we hear 30% of what we see 50% of what we see and hear 70% of what we discuss with others 80% of what we experience personally 90% of what we teach someone else

How can you make studying easier? Have a study plan that ensures you spend enough time studying Know what times of the day you study best i.e. DON’T leave further trigonometry to 11pm on a Saturday night! Break your subjects into small, realistic chunks – you won’t be able to learn 2 years of work in 1 hour. However, you can revise an aspect of the course in that time! Don’t worry about how much or little others are studying! YOU are the most important person so only think about YOUR studying!

How can you make studying easier? Study in a room where there will be no distractions and switch OFF your phone, you can live without Facebook or Twitter for a few hours! Remember one size does not fit all – so it’s ok to have different methods of study from your friends or study different subjects in different ways! The key is finding which studying method works for you!

What kind of learner are you? Complete the questionnaire to discover how you learn best!

What kind of learner are you? If you chose mostly A’s you have a VISUAL learning style. If you chose mostly B’s you have an AUDITORY learning style. If you chose mostly C’s you have a KINAESTHETIC learning style.

What kind of learner are you? People commonly have a main preferred learning style, but this will be part of a blend of all three. Some people have a very strong preference; other people have a more even mixture of two or less commonly, three styles. When you know your preferred learning style(s) you understand the type of learning that best suits you. This enables you to choose the types of learning that work best for you.

Visual Visual learners may find the following methods of learning helpful: pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, displays, hand outs, films, flip-chart, etc.

Auditory Auditory learners may find the following methods of learning helpful: listening to teacher explanations/stories, listening to recordings.

Kinaesthetic Kinaesthetic learners may find the following methods of learning helpful: touching, feeling, holding, doing, practical hands-on experiences, experiments, role play.

Methods of Study How did you study for your NABs/assessments? Were these methods effective?

Effective Revision Techniques Make summary notes Use Mnemonics Create Mindmaps Ask Questions Place facts in places you see regularly i.e. your stairs – you’ll be amazed at how much you remember after regularly seeing these over a few days Get someone to test your knowledge Read your notes Make up raps or songs to music you already know which include important information Use past papers Try exercises from your textbook Use Bitesize or other revision sites for help Attend supported study!

Next Steps… Write down which methods of study you find work best for you If you are unsure, ask your teachers for advice on what methods they think work for their subject Use these methods whilst studying as you had planned in your Study Plan last week Remember – one size does NOT fit all!