Study tips for matrics

NATIONAL NEWS - The former head of Inclusive and Specialised Education Support in the Eden and Central Karoo Education District and district school psychologist, Roger Jacobs, is putting his knowledge to good use and helping matriculants with study tips.

Jacobs says it is an understatement to say that 2020 was a challenging year, but learners must always remember, "a person is not defined by the good times they experience, but by how they respond in times of hardship."

He encourages matriculants to take on the challenge as all of us look forward to the final results.

"Firstly, decide to do your best in the time that you have available," he says.

He advises matriculants to start with a healthy lifestyle, which is crucial during this period. "No doubt , most of you are aware that you must drink a lot of water and avoid caffeine intake, but it is worthwhile reminding you. Also, be reminded to get enough fresh air, exercise and get enough sleep."

Sleep helps the learning process as it helps you grow the neural connections as you study. And exercise leads to the excretion of mood-enhancing chemicals that make the learning process more effective. Students should make sure that they minimise distractions by, for example, switching off the phone and television and informing other family members of your study times.

"Your parents should assist by asking other family members not to cause a disturbance whilst you are studying. Parents should give less home chores, especially to Grade 12 learners, as they face arguably the most important exams in their lifetime."

Many students have successfully combatted noise by using ear plugs or listening to soft music.

Also make sure that you take enough breaks, either five minutes after every 25 minutes or 10 minutes after every 50 minutes. "Your brain will function more effectively when used in small bursts rather than long drawn-out sessions, which will tire you. Preferably do not use electric gadgets during your break time but wash your face, eat a small healthy snack, drink water and get fresh air."

The Forest application can be very useful in this regard. It serves as a positive reinforcement, as you create a forest by earning a tree for every 25 minutes that you don't engage with your phone.

Make sure that you study at the same place. This should be a comfortable space with enough light and not in front of a window.

Planning
Plot your exam dates on a calendar and indicate the subjects that you are going to study. Some students even specify which sectors or chapters they plan to study. The latter can also be done on a separate page.

Subjects that require the most amount of studying gets the most amount of time. In most cases you can study both during the day and the evenings, but you should avoid studying right through the night.

Study methods
Different subjects require different methods. For example, do-subjects like mathematics and accounting require that you list all the work and practically work through all the possible activities using old question papers and practical examples.

Mark off the work that you understand and focus on the work that you don't understand.

Select significant information when you study and make your own notes. It is always good to associate new information with what you already know. Recite the work by using your own words. Learners have different strengths; some are auditory learners and have to recite the work aloud, while others might learn by visualising text through creating stories or movies in their minds.

"I am a kinaesthetic learner and have to actively engage my hands in underlying, drawing and writing down texts," says Jacobs. "In fact, I have to have a pen and paper at hand before I can effectively engage with my work."

Try to involve as many senses as possible. Start with the whole by reading and underlining or highlighting the key words. Ask yourself the key questions "what, how, when, where and why" to enhance your understanding.

Once you have a clear understanding, you can start breaking down the question into smaller parts.

Recite and write down notes in your own words. The notes that you wrote down will be used in revision. Revision must be done on a regular basis and before starting new work, you should read through work previously studied.

Writing down your work allows you to consolidate information as it creates neural pathways in order for your brain to recall the work that you are studying.

Mind maps is an excellent way to remember information, as well as using rhymes and jingles, word association, key words, flash cards and creating acronyms.

Stress
You have to be stressed to function optimally, but too much stress will have a negative impact on your studies. Take deep breaths, drink a lot of water and talk to someone you can trust about your anxieties.

Exam writing
Make sure that you have all your writing utensils and your examination number at hand. You must arrive early and ensure that you relax for half an hour before you start writing. Do not try to cram just before you write.

Once you received the question paper, scan it over, read and make sure you understand the instructions.

Allocate your writing time appropriately, not spending too much time on questions that do not have a lot of marks allocated to them. Answer each question starting with the ones you know well. If you are running out of time, answer in point form, instead of complete sentences. Write down anything you know that is related to the question.

Stay till the end and go over your work when done.

Recently retired local education specialist and psychologist Roger Jacobs has supplied study tips for the matriculants of 2020.