Study Skills5th year 2015

What you know alreadyOWhat is study?ODifference between homework and studyOReviewing material – “What did I learn today in….?”OWhere to studyOConcentration – taking short breaksOStudy tips e.g. using area behind desk as extended study area and the 5 minute trick

Time ManagementODevelop blocks of study time – not long enough for you to become restless

OWeekly reviewsOReview studies just before class

OReview classwork immediately after class (forgetting is greatest within 24hours without review)

Planning your study time

O Do the most difficult work when your concentration is at its strongest.

O Take regular breaks.O Be flexible – reflect on whether your

study pattern is successful. If you are getting less done in the evenings than you hoped, try something different like studying in the early morning.

Place of StudyO Not too hot or too coldO Good lightingO Desk free from clutterO Discourage interruptionO No TV, Radio, Internet distractionsO All necessary resources to handO Desk for study and study only so that

brain associates that space with learning

Learning GoalsO Spend a few minutes before you

start study/homework in a subject asking yourself what do you want to know at the end of this topic.

O Be as specific as possible on what you aim to know.

O This approach will give you a focus and a sense of purpose.

Set time limitsO In the Leaving Certificate you will be

expected to work against the clock.O Your study should also involve working

against the clock.O Allocate a set time for each subject or

question.O Use the time you would get for a similar

question in the Leaving Certificate as a guide to how long you should be spending.

Some suggestions…O Dedicated study spaceO Focus – what are you trying to accomplish?O Incentive e.g. phone a friend, a walk, listen to

your favourite band, cup of tea…O Change topicsO Vary study activities – reading, drawing etc.O Stick to a routine – make a list of what is to be

done and when you will do it.

More suggestionsO Bribe yourself – promise that as soon as you

finish a certain task you’ll get a reward e.g. cup or coffee or favourite tv programme.

O Avoid daydreaming – whenever you become aware that your mind is wandering yell STOP (in your head, not aloud) bringing you back to task.

O Log your distractions – keep a record of when and where you lose your attention. How can you change this?

O Resist distractions – sit away from disruptive classmates, focus on what teacher is saying by active note-taking.

Problem SolvingO What subject are you finding most

difficult?O Think of 1 small thing you can do that

might make a difference to that subject.O Decide on a time you will do this.O Do what you’ve decided when you’ve

decided.O Review whether it was successful or

not.

Dealing with distractions

O Set realistic goals e.g. read section before taking a break.

O Minimise real interruptions – putting your phone on silent.

O Do a deal with yourself – “I’ll go out with my friend tonight but I’ll get up early Sunday to study instead”.

O Just do it! The task may not take as long as you expected and you’ll feel better getting it done.

Note TakingMost notes appear like this; large volumes of dense text.

CATCat is a favourite pet of people around the world. Cats are intelligent and have an independent nature. These small animals can also be playful and entertaining. Many cats make affectionate, loyal pets, providing companionship for people of all ages. About 55 million cats are kept as pets in the United States. About 4 million pet cats live in Canada.

The word cat also refers to a family of meat-eating animals that includes tigers, lions, leopards, and panthers. This family also includes domestic cats--that is, those that people keep as pets. Domestic cats and their wild relatives share many characteristics. All these animals have long, powerful bodies and somewhat rounded heads. They have short, strong jaws and 30 sharp teeth. Cats are also skilful hunters. They are able to catch other animals by approaching them swiftly and quietly on padded feet. Or they may wait motionless until an animal comes close and then spring upon it suddenly.

More note taking

O Physical Characteristics• Round Head• 30 teeth• Padded Feet• Long

O Pet O LoyalO IndependentO Intelligent

O VarietiesO DomesticO PantherO TigerO Lion

Notes could be summarised in bullet Notes could be summarised in bullet formform

CatCat

domestic

Intelligent

independentloyal

petvarietiespanther

lion tiger

Round head

Long

hunter30 teeth

Padded feet

Notes could also be visual – MIND MAPS

Mind MapsO Note down points in a spray pattern

starting from the centre and working outwards

O Keep your points brief – use key words.

O Use lines to show connections between things.

O Include colour, symbols and pictures to make it more memorable.

Index Card systemO As you are studying imagine what

questions you would get asked in an exam about the topic

O Write the question on the back of the card

O Write the answer on the front of the card

O Shuffle the cardsO Try to answer the question

Continued…O If you know the answer put it on the

bottom of the packO If you don’t know the answer, look at

the answer and put the card back in the pack a few cards down so you will come back to it soon

O The cards are easy to carry around so you could take them with you when you might have some spare time e.g. on a long journey

Being ReflectiveO Reflecting on what works well in your studies

helps you to develop your skills as you try out different approaches and review their effectiveness.

O It is easy to become stuck in a routine that is not effective.

O Think about your skills toO See how you might make changesO Develop new ways of workingO Become more aware of different techniques

Action PlanOAn action plan can help to

identify what you want in the long termOMy goalOWhat do I need to do to achieve it?OHow can I achieve it?OWhat resources will I need?OWhen can I take action

Mind yourselfO Leaving Certificate is a marathon not a sprintO You need to peak in June, so studies should be

building up to that pointO Take regular breaksO Take regular exercise – even if that is running

round your houseO Eat well and keep hydratedO Try to keep one guilt free study free day per

week

What’s in it for you?