Study Skills

DE LA SALLE STUDY SKILLS & SUBJECT SPECIFIC REVISION INFORMATION:

Exam Success is not based on knowledge alone.

Fundamentally, exams test your ability to answer questions. You must apply this skill, applying what you know to fit the question.

Study isn’t easy, unfortunately good results are secured only by hard work.

Be a success at school:

Take responsibility for your own learning. You have an obligation to make school work for you-see your teacher as a valuable resource.

The more you learn during class, the easier the work will be at home. It is easier to stay interested and positive if you know what you are doing. Understanding is key to making study easier.

Be prepared: Have assignments ready. Make sure you have revised key points and notes from each lesson. Read ahead-you will learn much easier-the easy material will be reinforced and you will identify the most difficult areas which will need special attention.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as you are not only benefitting yourself, but other people too.

School should be seen as a resource, not a burden.

Be a success at home:

Make notes:

• Ideally notes should be brief yet complete reminders of the essential information. Work to develop the ability to distinguish the “need to know” from the “nice to know”. The first point of each paragraph should be a significant point.

Homework is home study and includes:

• Revision of today’s homework.
• Written Homework is vitally important. Witten homework is the baseline and needs to be done, but on its own it is absent of massive effect.
• Making notes; highlighting chapters and producing study cards.
• Summaries key points, as there is a lot of information. Next time you visit these topics, use your notes to help revise.
• Revision of old chapters
• Firstly revise today’s class work on the subject.
• When revising for exams, a good tip is to study 2 subjects per night, matching a difficult subject with a subject you like.
• Ensure to learn properly and put in the effort. Learning is not about the amount of time you spend on it, but rather how effective your study is. You can test how effective your study is through regular assessment. (See next point)

Assess your learning:

• Assess your learning regularly to ensure your study is effective.
• Use spaced practice when revising topics. This method refers to assessing yourself on a certain topic a week or month after completing that topic in class.
• Attempt your written work under exam conditions
• Try not to use your textbook or notes
• Try to complete within exam timeframe for similar exam question
• Check for mistakes or omissions and try to avoid similar ones in the exam
• Display the information in an easy to read accessible way- make it easy for correction. Good presentation is a valuable skill –it can gain you marks in the exam.
• Diagrams should be large, accurate & proportioned- label items carefully and neatly

Get Motivated:

• The only one who can do it is YOU
• Self-motivation is much better than coercion by parents and teachers.
• Value your education by putting in the effort in your studies
• Motivate yourself by thinking about the rewards of achieving in education. (Future career opportunities)
• Set yourself challenging yet attainable goals
• Set realistic targets
• Monitor your progress
• Take care of realistic daily goals, the long term goals will take care of themselves
• Take regular breaks to recharge so that you can be focused and motivated when you return to your school work.
• Get plenty of exercise. Exercise will invigorate you and clear your head, providing you with energy and motivation to study.

Daily study goals:

• Make the most of class time
• Revise all of today’s homework
• Complete all written homework received that day
• Revise some old chapters
• On Friday you should at least complete all written homework received that day and the weekend is completely free for revision and personal activities.

Weekend study goals:

• Complete your planned study schedule for Saturday and Sunday
• Revise classwork from the week
• Finish this week’s study cards and chapter notes
• Revise some old chapters

Managing balance and wellbeing

Finishing school work is important but managing other areas of life is just as important. Find time during the week and the weekends to focus on your wellbeing. Your wellbeing effects your motivation to succeed at school work and study.

A lot of students have many commitments outside of school. These extra-curricular activities are vital for students’ personal growth and wellbeing. To successfully manage a busy schedule, a study plan is vital to success in school related activities and extra-curricular activities.

Electronic devices should not be used after 10.30pm to ensure a good night sleep.

Create a positive study environment

• Your study desk should be in a quiet area without distractions
• Keep your desk tidy
• Take pride in your study area
• Ensure you have plenty of natural light
• Keep your study area free of distractions such as phones, tablets, laptops and consoles. (Unless internet access is necessary for the area you are studying).

Recommended time for homework and study:

• 1^st years: 1.5-2 hours per night
• 2^nd years: 2-2.5 hours per night
• 3^rd years: 2.5-3 hours per night
• 4^th years: 2 hours per night
• 5^th years: 2.5-3 hours per night
• 6^th years:  3+ hours per night