So, final exams are up - and so are your heart-rate, blood-pressure and stress levels! Here are some sure sure-fire study tips to help you harness your cerebellum and ace those exams...
Tip#1 Space Check:
Have a dedicated study space and keep it clean, tidy and calm. Sit to the right of the window, if any, otherwise hang a mirror to the right; don't sit with your back to the door (this lessens concentration) and add a wind-chime or place a plant near the window (using bamboo or cactus will keep you sharply focused). Take regular stretching and breathing sessions while studying and leave the room clean and clear for your next study session.
Tip#2 Schedule:
Make a study schedule marked off with half-hourly or hourly time-blocks. First, schedule the set parts of your day, i.e. things that won't change - your classes, doctor's appointments, etc, and slot in 10 minutes before each lecture to review notes from the previous class. Next, schedule more flexible, personal requirements - eating, sleeping, exercising and free time. Lastly, spread your studies throughout the week, with the guideline of two hours of study for each hour of class.
Tip#3 Time-Wise:
Stick to your study schedule and prioritise your tasks, subdividing any large, complicated tasks into smaller, manageable portions. Do tasks that are similar in nature at the same time, while your brain is in that particular ‘flow' and get the little ‘niggly' tasks done quickly so they don't bug you. Set and stick to time-limits for each task in order to train your brain to work within timeframes.
Tip#4 Read Right:
Try the time-tested SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review) study strategy developed way back in 1946 by Francis Pleasant Robinson in his book Effective Study. This method enables you to set study goals and organise, extract and structure important in you mind whilst enabling quick recall - see: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_02.htm.
Tip#5 Study Detractors:
Remove distractions - that means television, radio and cell-phone OFF and no friend and family commitments eating into your study time. Don't nap half-way through a session, even if you are feeling shattered - rather get up, walk around the yard and do some deep breathing. Don't be a perfectionist - just do the best you can!
Tip#6 Past/Mock Exam Papers:
Search online for past or mock exam papers - these will give you a very good idea of what kind of questions and answers can be expected - ensure that you do the whole exam paper, within the set time, as an excellent ‘dry run'. For a good example, see: http://www.sahistory.org.za/classroom/guidelines/matricguide.htm.
Tip#7 Just Rewards:
After you've passed the nail-biting exam you've worked and studied so hard for - reward yourself! Go out with your friends, have a massage, take a run in the park or catch a movie. Studying is hard work, but life should be about working hard and playing hard. So go and have some fun - you deserve it!
These study tips are provided courtesy of Edu-Loan, South Africa's only dedicated educational service provider. Edu-Loan is dedicated to the upliftment of our nation through education and wishes all students good luck for their exams!
Visit www.eduloan.co.za or call their Client Services number on: 0860-55-55-44.
Author: Zivana Jenkinson at Edu-Loan
Editorial Contact:
Olivia Neves
Kezi Communications (Pty) Ltd
Tel: 011 616 1860
olivia@kezi.co.za
www.kezi.co.za
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