Effective study isn't just completing the homework.
For many students, Stage 6 feels like a big jump from Stage 5. You study less subjects but in much greater depth. You need to know a lot more specific detail than before. Different subjects will require you to develop different skills and styles of writing.
Many students enter Stage 6 without really understanding how to use their study periods effectively. Some students think that they only need to complete the homework they are assigned by their teachers and unfortunately this is not the case. You need to use this time to consolidate your learning which means you are to complete activities which reinforce new learning and identify areas to build on. This process includes;
Many students enter Stage 6 without really understanding how to use their study periods effectively. Some students think that they only need to complete the homework they are assigned by their teachers and unfortunately this is not the case. You need to use this time to consolidate your learning which means you are to complete activities which reinforce new learning and identify areas to build on. This process includes;
- keeping your notes organised
- reviewing your own notes and work
- checking your own understanding of content, concepts & skills
- clarifying content, concepts or skills
- filling in gaps in your learning
- creating summaries
- creating knowledge organisers
- asking your teacher
- applying your learning to practice questions
- organising your time using study timetables - templates at the bottom of this page
Revision and study require different approaches.
Using effective study time activities throughout the year will help you prepare for the revision process at the end of the year. The process of consolidating your learning as you go should mean that revision isn't too overwhelming. The knowledge organisers & summaries you have created can be used during revision activities. However, the process of revising is slightly different as it takes place after the teaching is complete.
There are lots of strategies you can use;
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Study timetable templates
Use a timetable to plan, manage and keep track of your study/revision time. There are different ways to do this and you need to find the one that works for you. Some people find an hour by hour timetable a good way to plan their time and keep track of how much work they've done for each subject. Some find that too restrictive and prefer a more flexible approach with blocks of times morning, afternoon and evening. A few things to remember are
- sleep is very important to successful study so make sure you get enough
- make sure you are allocating time to each subject and not just favouring your weaker or stronger areas.
- make time for your other commitments such as sports teams and block these out
- make time for family & friends
- make time for exercise
- make a new one each week to prioritise & manage upcoming assessments
- use colour coding for each subject
- be flexible when you need to be - if something comes up, reschedule that study time