Parents/Pupil Study Evening

Food for Thought… “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough we must do.” (Goethe) “Learning is not a spectator sport.” (D. Blocher) “Retention is best when the learner is involved.” (E. Scannell) “When you know something, say what you know. When you don't know something, say that you don't know. That is knowledge." (Confucius) “What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand.” (Confucius)

What will be covered this evening? The learning Process Learning Styles Myths Revision Planning The Role of Parents Study Techniques Conditions to Help Memory Exam Techniques Managing Exam Stress Key Points Open Forum –discussion; review resources

About Learning... Active process Learning to learn is a skill for life The WHY and HOW W.I.I.F.M. Three areas of learning: Registering Retaining Recalling

Learning Styles (Learning Styles Questionnaire) Visual Learner Auditory Learner Kinaesthetic Learner Left Brain/Right Brain Learner Find out your dominant side Multiple Intelligences The learning process is enhanced when all of our senses are used. Using preferred learning style/s will make studying more effective and efficient

Myths… I don’t need to study for the English exam… Activity I’ve no homework… Parent - I don’t know anything about the subject so I can’t help…

Revision Planning - Getting Started... Study has to be planned, consider: Where study will take place What will be studied When study will take place Organise Study How will study be done Study Techniques

Organising Study Where? Environment: usually discovered through trial/error. Psychologically better to have a regular place to study. With or without music/sound? The best place to work is the place where you work best.

Organising Study What? Prioritise/Traffic lighting Pupils should study what they don’t know – brainstorm topics

Organising Study When? Plan ahead/encourage use of a year planner. Make a study timetable. Check/chart progress. Study for periods of 30 – 40 minutes with a 5-10 minute break. Provide rewards. Allow time (at least an hour) before study and bed time.

Parent Role in the Process… Ongoing support – help to relieve the stress. To maintain normal routine (mealtimes, etc) Helping your child to plan, prepare and prioritise. Be a study partner. Newspaper/programmes: discussion. Words of the week, etc Reinforcing the messages in this presentation.

Study Techniques - Reading Detailed reading can be a problem Requires: skimming, scanning and close reading Use SQ3R approach: Survey Question Read Recall Review Use K W L: KNOW (now) WANT (to know) LEARNED Reading has to be active – not passive! Use summarising

Making Notes Write key words. Omit small words – keep no and not. Use abbreviations – know what they mean. If notes are not complete – encourage your son/daughter to obtain ones that are! Use different layouts – colours, capitals, drawings, diagrams, bullet points. Keep up to date. Store notes carefully.

Study Techniques Brainstorming Make visual connections Make mindmaps/posters Revision/study cards Bullet points Colour coding/Highlighting Use post-its Use of technology – e.g. record onto mobile.

Study Techniques Tackle manageable chunks. Watch programmes/DVD’s on the subject. Collaborative study () Use of rhyme/rap. Go over what you’ve studied/ practise recall when you’re out walking the dog, running, etc. Practise answering exam questions.

Study Techniques Assessing progress: Test Recall Brainstorm topic again Study plan – chart progress, problems, next steps

Short Term Memory Exercise 9 2 8 3 7 4 6

Working Memory Exercise Add 5 and 3 and 8 and 4, then divide by 2

Conditions to Help Memory Activity Intend to remember -find a reason for remembering. Understand what is to be learned. Link new knowledge to things already known and understood. Using a multi-sensory approach: visual memory Practise recalling new knowledge. Be interested. Use mnemonics: e.g. Every Green Bus Drives Fast (lines on a stave of music)

In the exam hall … Encourage your child to: Be prepared – have all the necessary equipment Read questions carefully Plan answers; plan time Check allocated marks for each question Proof read all your answers (re read questions too!) Don’t leave blank spaces – have a go Don’t panic!

Manage the Stress… Encourage your son/daughter to talk about their feelings. Help them to plan & prioritise. Remind them not to work constantly – take regular breaks. Look after their health – eat properly. Get fresh air – walk; exercise. Remember they don’t have to give up their social life – just not every night!!!

Relaxation Technique Activity

Key Points Be pro-active: active not passive Keep positive attitude: I can do this; I will do this Plan, organise, prioritise study Tackle manageable chunks Use memory techniques: recall often Know self - learning style/s; Don’t panic – manage the stress Practise exam technique.

Moira Peck (Acting P.T. SFL) Open Forum Thank you for attending, we will now answer any questions you may have. Library study books available to borrow – just sign for them please. Please complete an evaluation form. Moira Peck (Acting P.T. SFL)