The Science of Study

Tips to Help Students Prepare for Studying!

There is a lot of research and evidence that show the best techniques for study and also the best ways to prepare your study time and spaces.  And the good news is, anyone can adopt these techniques and start studying towards success! This week we are featuring Step 1: 

Take Control of Your Calendar!

Controlling your schedule and your distractions will help you to accomplish your goals. If you are in control of your calendar, you will be able to complete your study and homework and stay on top of your coursework. 

The following are steps to getting control of your study timetable and ensure you are effectively using the time you have available:

1. On the same day each week, (perhaps Sunday nights or Saturday mornings) plan out your schedule for the week.

2. Go through each class and write down what you’d like to get completed for each class that week.

3. Look at your study planner and determine how many hours you have to complete your work.

4. Determine whether your list can be completed in the amount of time that you have available. (You may want to put the amount of time expected to complete each assignment.) Make adjustments as needed.

5. Before going to bed each night, make your plan for the next day. Waking up with a plan will make you more productive. Think about what you need to learn in each of your classes, based on your developmental rubrics.

Create a plan where you:

• Set a timeline at the start of your study session.
• Create a detailed to-do-list, (keep a close eye on what is really important).
• Set alarms / reminders – Set alarms / reminders to remind you about your study plans. A regular reminder keeps you honest and your plans on track.
• Use a wall planner – Stick a calendar or wall planner up so you can see it whenever you're studying. Mark it up with important dates, like exams and assignment due dates. Use it to block out your regular study timetable too.
• Make to-do lists – Lists break tasks down into manageable chunks. At the start of the week, make a list of the things that you need to have done by the end of the week. Make a to-do list at the start of each study session too, so that you're clear about what you need to be doing with your time.
• Set time limits – Before you start your study session, have a look at your to-do list and give yourself a set time to spend on each task. If you don't get something done in the set time, consider whether it's the best use of your time to keep going with it, or to start working on something else.

Stay tuned for more tips in our next Newsletter or download the attachment, for all the detailed recommendations to prepare your study space, get organised, manage your time and study effectively. 

Students are always welcome to come and speak with us about ways they can improve their study practice.

David Black, Tim Pearson 

& Darren Hoogkamer

Senior School Leaders