SMC Wellbeing
STUDY TECHNIQUES
WHAT IS MY LEARNING STYLE?
One of the most important things to consider before you begin to study is to find out which kind of learner you are. This quiz will tell you if you are a visual, auditory or tactile learner. Once you know your type, you can learn using the most effective techniques for you to make the most out of your studying by using your strengths.
HOW DO I STUDY?
STUDY SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Studying is the process of remembering and applying what you have already learned
STEP 1: INTEND TO REMEMBER AND LEARN
Your frame of mind before studying is crucial. If you don’t actively plan to remember something, you will not remember it very well.
STEP 2: LEARN ACTIVELY - READ IT, WRITE IT, SEE IT, SAY IT, DO IT!
Summary Notes: Read your notes through twice without making new notes. Then cover your notes and write down everything you remember. Read through your notes again and complete practice questions. Research shows the most successful students are those who complete a range of practice exam questions.
PALM CARDS
Use palm cards in 10-15 minute blocks. Read your cards and say the answers aloud. Saying this aloud strengthens our natural pathways. Be sure to include definitions, statistics, dates, Q&A, and formulas.
Technology
Make this yours. Add images, text and links, or connect data from your collection.
TEACH SOMEONE
Teach a parent or friend a topic you find difficult. Explaining a concept will help you remember and understand it.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
These are the most important element to success in a test or exam as you must apply what you know. Aim to become very comfortable answering exam and test questions.
SELF CARE
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF...
Exams can be stressful and often we are busy and caught up in our studies. One thing that is important to remember is to look after yourself. There are things you can do, and try, to enhance your learning. Here are some tips to help you look after your physical and mental health during these full on times.
Get plenty of sleep. Try to go to bed at a similar time each night, this will get you into a good routine. Avoid late night cramming sessions! It is also a good idea to drop the phone before you go to sleep. Try to find other ways to wind down and clear your mind.
Eat a balanced diet. It is especially important during exam time. Getting plenty of vitamins will make you more positive and alert, So 5+ a day!
Keep up the exercise. Although you will find yourself lacking time during studying and exams, make an extra effort to fit in some form of exercise. Similar to a balanced diet, this will help you stay positive and alert and will train your brain. Exercise can also be a good study break option.
Keep hydrated! Drinking plenty of water can help with your focus and energy levels.
PHYSICAL WELLBEING
MENTAL WELLBEING
Take breaks! Work in a half-hour or 45-minute chunks and then take a 10-minute break to get some fresh air or a snack and a drink. This will help you maintain concentration and improve the quality of your work as well as keep you feeling calm throughout the day. Schedule your studying. For example, you could work during the day and then have the evening completely off. Make sure when you aren’t working you take your mind off it completely and aren’t doing anything school related. Sit down, watch Netflix and relax! Within your 30-45 minutes chunks try to do this without interruptions, which includes your phone.
Socialise. Just because it’s exam time doesn’t mean you need to lock yourself in your room the whole time. Shutting yourself in your room 24/7 may make you feel worse than if you spent some time with your friends and family. So when you are having a break from your studying do things like watching a movie with your friends or going on a coffee date. This will definitely improve your mood and give you a break.
Ask for help. Exams are no doubt stressful and it can take a toll on your mental health. If you have a lot on your plate it can be worthwhile to simply let someone know that you are feeling stressed. Whether this is your mum, your friend or your teacher, don’t bottle your feeling up. If you are unsure of how to bring it up try to reverse it and ask them how they are coping. This will most likely lead to the person asking you back. Not everyone has a great support network so it is important to look out for others especially at this time.
Use of music. This may help with your wellbeing but make sure it is not too loud. There are some recommended music examples for study. You should do some study without music as you can't use music in the exam.
TIME MANAGEMENT
HOW DO I MANAGE MY TIME?
During exams and study, it is important to manage your time well. We are often very busy with other commitments such as sport, family and co-curricular activities as these don’t just get put on hold for us to study. A good technique to help you have a good balance and get everything you need to get done, is by creating a study timetable. This will allow you to plan out your days where you can fit all of your activities and practices in while also making sure you are getting sufficient study in. It will also help you to distribute the time you spend studying all of your subjects.
STEP 1: BLOCK OUT YOUR TIME
Find out how much time you have. Block out the times you have school, sport or music practice, etc. Don’t forget to include sleep!
STEP 2: LOAD UP YOUR PLATES
Write down exactly what you need to do in each subject to reach your potential. Include homework, assignments, and tests.
STEP 3: PRIORITISE YOUR TO-DO LIST
Now that you have an idea of your time and what needs to be done in that time, you can start to order your tasks by priority. What is urgent? What can be done tomorrow? What can be done on the weekend?
STEP 4: PUT YOUR TO-DO LISTS INTO YOUR PLANNER
Set out the time you intend to spend on each task, making sure you divide time spent between your subjects evenly. Tick off each task once completed for a sense of accomplishment and relief!
USEFUL APPS
EXTRAS
