Life’s too short –
Don’t waste your
time……..
SUCCESSFUL STUDY
TIPS & TRICKS
Does this seem familiar?
Honey, it’s time to
study. You know
you have exams
coming up soon!
A chance to focus…
 Create a quiet, organised study space.
 Create a Term planner – add all
Assessment tasks, exams and important
events.
 Consider whether a Study Timetable
would work for you.
 Even without one, plan specific study time
for most days of the week.
Eliminate distractions…
 Use these as rewards &
check them in your
break times.
Know how you learn…
Visual learners…
 Create graphic organizers such as
diagrams and concept maps/ mind maps.
 When trying to remember information,
close your eyes and visualize the
information.
 Include illustrations as you take notes in
class.
 Use highlighter pens of contrasting colours
to colour code different aspects of the
information in your textbooks.
Visual learners…
 Watch videos about topics you are
studying in class.
 Summarise your written notes from class
using different fonts, bold print, and
underlining to make the most important
concepts and facts visually apparent.
 Take notes as you listen in class, even if not
required too.
Auditory learners…
 Participate in study groups in which you
can talk things out.
 If allowed by your teacher, use a recording
device to record class sessions. Use the
recordings to support your written notes.
 Use a recording device to record important
information from your textbooks so that
you can listen to the information as
frequently as needed.
 Work out math problems aloud, explaining
to yourself the steps you are doing.
Auditory learners…
 Repeat facts and definitions of words over and
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over to yourself with your eyes closed.
Create musical jingles or songs to remember
information.
Participate in class discussions as much as
possible.
Look for audiobooks or other audio materials
when learning about a subject.
Read aloud when doing proofreading and
editing.
Tactile/Kinaesthetic learners…
 Be physically active while you study. Rather
than just sit at your desk, occasionally walk
back and forth with your textbook or notes as
you read the information out loud.
 Make extensive use of a computer and the
Internet. Actively touching the keyboard will
keep your mind active.
 Study in short blocks of time with
frequent but short breaks.
Tactile/Kinaesthetic learners…
 Act out things whenever possible.
 Construct models of things you have to learn
whenever possible.
 When trying to remember information, write
the quote/ formula etc. many times. Picture
the information in your mind as you do so.
 Use concrete objects to help you understand
math concepts.
Note taking skills…
 Write neatly or type.
 Colour code or highlight important terms/
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quotes/ concepts or formulae.
Annotate around the written notes/text on
printed pages. You can also use Word.
Don’t crowd the page & leave a margin.
Box important info to learn for tests.
Use words you understand & define ones you
don’t.
Add graphics where suitable.
How to summarise…
 Read the information & highlight
key info (facts, expert opinions, theories, quotes,
formulae, contentious issues, syllabus objectives etc.)
 Don’t highlight whole paragraphs
 Using dot-points, write the main points or key
words .
 Paraphrase so you understand it.
 Use abbreviations to shorten it (&, b/w, incl. ->)
Develop your own set.
 Before exams or when memorising – summarise
your summaries further.
Be proactive…
 Don’t waste class time.
 Use you “free” periods to do homework,
summarise, revise or discuss lessons and
clarify problems – then you have more
free time at home.
 Seek help when needed – from teacher,
friends, Mentor/tutor or others.
 Write your goals and stick them up – read
them and take steps to achieve them every
day!
Balance your lifestyle…
 Time management is essential…
 You need a social life/ study balance.
 Physical exercise is vital for stress
management (and health obviously…)
 Eat a healthy diet, including breakfast!)
 Get 7-8 hours sleep per night.
 Don’t let social media rule your life –
actual person to person interaction is
important.
Mix organisation &
determination with relaxation…
Need more help?
 Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help or
advice, they are happy to see you’re keen to
learn.
 CREST Senior Mentoring Program has been
specifically set up to help you achieve to the
best of your abilities – BUT you must be
proactive & make time to get the most from
it.
 Seek tutors or online help.
Bibliography:
 http://www.how-to-study.com/ Free online study
resources
 http://www.how-to-study.com/learning-styleassessment/ links to an online learning style test.
 http://www.educationcorner.com/study-skills.html
 http://www.studyvibe.com.au/ - free to join & good
site
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3bek3F2E1E
How to summarise (3 min)
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1nHtq10HD4
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAhRf3U50lM
Memory quiz…