1. Study Skills

2. Preparation “If you run out of time at an exam you did not prepare well enough!”

3. Study Successful people have made a decision to be successful! Nature & Nurture & PMA = Success in exams+++

4. Creating an Ideal Study Area 1.The noise level is conducive to studying 2.The lighting includes two or more sources of light 3.The work space promotes concentration Comfortable chair at a table or desk Adequate work surface Uncluttered work area Supplies organized and available

5. Self-Management Techniques Self-management techniques in the following areas may reduce stress: Time-managementGoal-settingConcentration Self-management also involves using strategies to reduce stress and reduce procrastination.

6. Be an Active Learner Have a pen in your hand when you study. Take notes. Write questions. Jot down lists of information. Use markers to highlight important information. Talk out loud (recite) Write summaries or make other study tools. Quiz yourself on the material or write and answer questions you create.

7. Use Concentration Techniques to Begin a Study Block Use the chunking technique to break assignments into meaningful units. Create a study ritual. Do warm-ups by previewing and reviewing. Use mental rehearsal and visualization.

8. Deal with Internal and External Distractors Use the following techniques to combat distractors: say no checkmark tunnel vision Journalalarmcalendar

9. Stress Stress is a reaction or a response to events or situations that threaten to disrupt a normal pattern or routine. Stress involves physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural responses.

10. Important Points about Stress Some stress is normal. Sometimes stress is beneficial. As stress increases, the ability to deal with and control stress decreases. Early warning signs often appear to indicate an increase in stress intensity. Excessive stress hinders performance and cognitive abilities. Excessive stress may lead to physical consequences.

11. Essential Strategies to Manage Stress Interact with others. Redirect your emotions. Discuss your situation with others. Take time to centre yourself. Take a mental break to a perfect place. Keep a journal.

12. Choose a Healthy Lifestyle NutritionExerciseSleep

13. Relaxation Techniques Bath Deep breathing Reflexology/Massage/AcupunctureYogaSport Mindfulness meditation

14. Procrastination Procrastination is the process of putting off something until a later time Procrastinators choose low-priority tasks over high-priority tasks Procrastination is a learned behaviour that can be reduced or eliminated by understanding reasons for procrastination and then activating strategies to modify the self-defeating behaviours.

15. When Do You Procrastinate? Do you procrastinate about specific kinds of tasks? Can you identify the situations in which you tend to procrastinate the most? Do you procrastinate at the beginning of a task, in the middle of the task, or close to the end or completion of the task? Why do you think this occurs? Do you start multiple tasks, jump from one task to another, and then make less important tasks seem more important or urgent? Why do you think you do this?

16. Why Do You Procrastinate? Lack of motivation Low self-confidence, low self-esteem, or low self-efficacy Task too difficult or complex Inaccurate perception of time Overextended and overcommitted Unclear about the task or expectation Unconducive environment

17. More Reasons Why People Procrastinate False beliefs Fear of failure PerfectionismSelf-controlThrill-seeking Task-related anxieties Unclear expectations Depression [Source: Szalavitz, Psychology Today, August 2003, pp. 50-54]

18. Essential Strategies to Combat Procrastination Use self-management skills and techniques. Face your fear of failure. See success. Identify a purpose or create an interest. Make a contract with yourself. List your priorities. Keep a journal. Set the scene for success. Relax your personal standards. Be willing to change.

19. GOOD LUCK!!!