It’s time to knuckle down and get that study done or you simply won’t pass those exams, but you are procrastinating. Where do you start? How do you get all that information into your head and keep it there? Here are some tips to get you started.
Good studiers know what they need to know – Set aside the time to work out exactly what it is you need to study and what is likely to come up in your exams. It doesn’t matter where you are in the school year (but the earlier the better of course) but get to know the curriculum. Study past papers, focus on major topics and listen to your teachers. They know! Make a study map for each subject.
Good studiers are organised - Once you know what you need to know get started. Work on a study plan. Put aside appropriate amounts of time to study and make sure you have all the materials you require before you start. Have an organised desk space and set yourself a structure.
Good studiers have a plan - They create both long term and short term plans. Know how long you need to study, sort your timing. Know what your plan is for the next 3 months and over the next week. Know when assignments are due. Write things down. Keep a good diary. Once you have a plan you will find this clears your head space for the actual study. Start to formulate a plan for the future. You don’t need to set your career goals but have some ideas perhaps on what you’d like to look at studying at university, or if you want to go directly on a career path have an idea of how you would like to go about it.
Good studiers do the same thing over and over again - Once you’ve got your system that works for you stick to it. Doesn’t matter what it is. When you have a formula that works every time (and works well) you’d be stupid to do any differently. Studying is no different. Students who do consistently well at school have a study formula that has been tied and tested to produce results.
Good studiers understand what they are studying - If you read something or sit in a class and come out wondering what you have just “learned”, stop, take stock and get an understanding. You’ll be amazed once you understand something how suddenly it all becomes clear and, of course, then so much easier to retain and use!
