Study Skills Tips for Students Rosemarie Sexton Guidance

Study Skills Tips for Students Rosemarie Sexton Guidance Counsellor

Key Aspects to Consider n Creating the best study environment n Setting Goals make a plan n Motivation for productive study n Maximising classroom learning, work hard by day less to do at night n Study, revision and exam techniques n Managing myself (E…motion) CBT

Goals Chart – REACH++ n Useful exercise to start each year n Set your targets for the end of the year n Then work backwards and set what you need to be achieving during the year n When school reports arrive fill out your chart and check your success

Where? n Choosing a suitable location • Home, library, or supervised study n What • • • to consider Furniture Equipment Distractions? ? ? Good lighting Good Ventilation Appropriate heating

Getting organised n Study includes homework and study n Identify distractions n To do list – great for planning! n The importance of the school Journal – Homework policy – Organisation tool • Record of homework • School/study timetable – Communication

NOW ! Recommended guidelines n Just do 5 mins n Organise a weekly timetable n – Routine, be flexible, be realistic, – Do short work sessions – 30 -40 mins + short break – do weaker subjects early on, end on best subject…

Homework Technique n Purpose of homework n Record homework clearly n Do homework on same night n Advised Techniques: SQ 3 R or … • • • Survey (Scan) ~3 minutes Question (Exam/ch) ~2 minutes Read (note take!) ~10 to 25 minutes Recall (make notes) ~5 minutes Review (1 day/1 week/1 mth)~3 minutes Written homework after material is learnt!

Study Tools n Reward system, time off, fitness. . n Exam papers % pre June n Revision books, Revision to do list n Repetition n Effective note taking – Mindmaps, flash cards, large folders, dividers…. n Other creative tools – Mnemonics, Rhymes, use your environment, the journey method

Notetaking Lots of space Draw Diagrams from memory Regular Review & self testing NOTETAKING Keep clear, neat and use colour Wide margin Number your points

Exam Technique n Can you follow instructions! n Knowing exam papers n Marks : Time ratio n Practising exam questions n Choose questions carefully n Start with strongest question n Plan answer n Do not dissect exam afterwards for too long!…

Managing Stress …. . Take 5 n Physical n Time & Mental health is NB!! out n Exercise n Eating well n Supplements if needed n 8 Hours sleep advised n Look for support when needed!

Action plan for success n Minimise clutter and distractions n Write down your goals n Draw up a realistic study plan n Review and adjust plan if needed n Consistency is important n Be honest, if having trouble seek help n Do your best you can’t do any more! n Be organised.

Resources n School Journal n ‘Maximum Points Minimum Panic’ by Kevin Flanagan n Websites - www. examinations. ie - www. leavingcertsolutions. com - www. studyclix. ie n Careers Websites – www. qualifax. ie, www. careersportal. ie

Summary What can you do to ensure you achieve your best in 5 th year? “Your success depends solely on your attitude!”