SKILLS STUDY
"STUDY YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS"
“THE WAY TO PREDICT YOUR FUTURE IS TO CREATE IT”
INTRODUCTION
STUDY SKILLS IS FOR EVERYONE
We hope you find this booklet useful and utilise the advice, tips and guidance provided.
COLLEGE IS THE EQUIVALENT OF A FULL TIME JOB
In order to be successful in your learning it is recommended that you spend an extra 5 hours of independent study for each subject per week.
Regular revision of topics covered in class will help you when it comes to exams. No more last minute panic but a case of refreshing what you already know!
Be organised - Establish a good routine each day between lessons which includes, independent study, course work and socialising.
Balancing a part time, paid job, with studies is do-able BUT remember, College is the equivalent of a full time job. You may need to say no to extra shifts to reduce stress.
STUDY SKILLS ONLINE
WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE ACCESS TO STUDY SKILLS AT A CLICK OF A FINGER
Often you need advice or help quickly. Whether this be:
Time Management
Note Taking
Revision Techniques
Exam Techniques
Exam Stress
There are two options:
1) Click via the QR code on each page of this booklet can give you further advice and guidance on a particular topic.
2) Click on the QR code below to take you to the home page of Study Skills
STUDY SKILLS HUB
TIME TAKE CONTROL, MANAGE
YOUR TIME EFFECTIVELY
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
While studying it is important to make effective use of YOUR time. This means not only prioritising your revision and coursework BUT making time for yourself too.
STUDY TIME TABLE
Preparing a Study Plan is the first step to get the most out of your study plans.
The key idea is that you spend less time THINKING about studying and more time ACTUALLY studying. Stay focused and true to your plan, remember, your study time table is only as good as your ability to stick to it.
WORK SMART
SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
Prioritising
To make your time-table effective it is essential to prioritise your tasks New tasks will always spring up and it’s important to know which tasks you can push back for newer more urgent tasks.
Study partner
Try to squeeze in at least one session with a learning partner so you can share your learning outcomes. Apart from sharing a learning session, having a learning partner actually creates accountability. It’s easy to shrug yourself off when you’re feeling down, not so easy when you have a friend involved.
Consider Deadlines
While it may seem obvious, we often try to tackle the easiest task first without considering deadlines. Although the simpler task may give you a sense of satisfaction in the short term, you will be glad you didn't wait until the last minute to take on the most difficult task!
NOTE TAKING
Taking notes is important, there is no debate on that.
However, you shouldn’t take notes of everything! Paying attention to the lecture is actually more important than getting all of it on your notepad.
For aural learners it’s better to direct full attention to the lecture.
Visual learners find it helpful to draw sketches and diagrams or copy the mind maps and graphic schemes the teacher uses to explain a topic.
Verbal learners should rather jot down key points as they listen.
The matter isn’t how you take notes or how you use them. No one needs to approve your note taking methods as long as you find it effective.
BUT WHY DO WE TAKE NOTES?
Allows you to save and record information so it can reviewed at a later date.
Allows you to summarise information.
Increases memory - Helps retention.
Helps you to organise information in a way that is easier to understand.
NOTE TAKING
SO WHAT IS USEFUL TO REMEMBER WHEN TAKING NOTES?
Research key words or phrases so you can be more prepared in exams.
Start a new page for each lesson - helps organisation.
Include the date - can help identify lesson.
leave space to write additional info/side notes.
use active listening, not just what is written on the board!
ARE THERE DIFFERENT WAYS TO TAKE NOTES ?
YES! It depends what lesson you are in and what works for you. Here are a few tried and tested methods for you to research:
Mind Map method Cornell’s Method (Mindmapping.com) (goodnotes.com)
SQR3 Guided Notes
Outlining Sentence Method
Once you do have proper notes it’s important to go back to them for revisions. Whether it be before or after your study session solely depends on you.
STRATEGIES REVISION
Which EXAM is first?
What topic do I need more time on to understand?
it is important to prioritise when planning revision - ask yourself these questions?
What subject do I need more help with?
What is classed as essential, what is ‘added value’ and can be left until later?
The best way to revise is to ‘mix’ things up a bit! One revision activity can become stale. Here are a few ideas:
HOW WELL DO YOU REVISE?
Do you struggle to stay focused? have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique?
Pomo what? This is a great technique if you're having trouble concentrating.
The Pomodoro method follows a basic pattern of 25 minutes of studying followed by a five-minute break. If you do four of these in a row you can then have a longer break. It works because you learn better in short sessions, and you don’t have to punish yourself with unbroken hours of revision
There are free Apps you can download on your phone ‘Pomodoro App’
Engage your recall to help you remember! Try ‘Blurting’!
Blurting is a new revision technique that you may have seen on TikTok. It's all about testing yourself repeatedly on a topic (It doesn't matter about the order or if it's correct at the start) then going back to your notes to find out what you've missed or got correct. It engages active recall to help you remember. t wrong.
EXAMS
REVISION COMPLETE..... EXAM TIME!
Exams at any age can be an extremely anxious time, being prepared can help take away a little stress so you are ready to give it your very best.
REMEMBER - Confidence comes from being prepared.
Plan your desk - Take in what you are allowed and set it ready on your exam desk, away from the paper to avoid knocking things on the floor!
Follow ALL instructions and read the paper carefully.
Underline KEY and COMMAND words.
Look at the marking system, does that “2 point question” need as much time spent as the next “4 point question”?
If you cannot answer a question, move on, do not panic - You can return to it later on.
Stay focused.
NEVER leave an exam early - Time spent rechecking is always well spent.
STOP....BREATH
Congratulations on reading the Study Skills booklet! You have taken significant steps to chart your path to success and achieve your goals. If you require any further help please see contact details below:
