Study Skills Tips for Students Rosemarie Sexton Guidance Counsellor

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

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

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

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

NOW ! Recommended guidelines Just do 5 mins Organise a weekly timetable 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 Purpose of homework Record homework clearly Do homework on same night Advised Techniques: SQ3R or … Survey (Scan) ~3 minutes Question (Exam/ch) ~2 minutes Read (note take!) ~10 to 25 minutes Recall (make notes) ~5 minutes Review (1day/1week/1mth)~3 minutes Written homework after material is learnt!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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