Lesson 8-The slaying studying guide

 Lesson 8-The slaying studying guide

I know how it feels as a fellow student; it can be really overwhelming at times and as somebody who has had to do lots of trial and error in finding the best study methods that are actually backed by science and not cliche like a lot of advice on social media I thought I would share  here.

 l BDA method-Before,During,After the lesson :makes revison faster because your brain has a structure to follow

1. Before-Priming and mental preparation

-Reviewing subject content  through textbook or online resource

-Activates relevant neural networks which can help learners recognise key ideas during class

-Gives you a sense of whats easy and whats difficult so your ready for the lesson

2. During-Active engagement and note taking

-Structured note taking-emphasise on comprehension than neatness

-Cornell note taking or sectioned note taking with areas for keywords,summaries and general notes -Make sure you actually understand before writing and use diagrams as tools not as accessories

-Engage multiple senses-strengthens memory and understanding

-Don’t rely on the teacher only-engage critically in your mind,,explain why,summarise or explain connections,do self quizzes-boosts retention

-Acknowledge key weaknesses-either ask for help or make a note to come back to it

3. After-consolidating,reviewing and testing using spaced repetition

-Go through class notes,resources online and condense information into summary sheets/notes,flashcards as questions using mark schemes or class notes,mindmaps and use different colours to see how much you knew.

-Digital options-anki,quizlet or google sheets

-Use active recall and spaced repetition on the day,1/2 days later and a week later s-at least 30 minutes every day-sticks more-Leitner -cards you know well-reviewed less often than cards you don’t know well

-Past Paper Questions,Fenyman technique or active recall-oversmimplify or teach someone,

 l Memorising

-Dual Coding-combining words with visuals-diagrams,mindmaps,pictures

Works because brain stores information in different ways

-Teaching someone/speaking aloud/fenyman technique-Literally right before a exam blurting information to your friends or tecahing them a concept or vice versa really helps as it allows you to process deeply and condense a topic simply showing you understand it

-Chunking-Breaking a topic into smaller parts so it is easier to memorize without feeling overwhelmed like instead of learning 789654321 you learn 789,654 then 321.Reduces cognitive load thus making it easier.

Spaced Repetition-Review material multiple times over intervals so it puts information into your long-term memory and combats the forgetting curve.

Mnemonics-simplifies processes or mechanisms and can make it  more memorable

Emotion and meaning-If you relate a concept to  things that have more emotional weight to you you are more likely to remmeber for example certain people or events or even real world examples.

Generation effect-If you create your own analogy or example so you form stronger connections with the content.

Storytelling/Narative chaining-Making processes or mechanisms or events stories as it creates meaningful connectiosn which our brains love

Blurting-Write everything you know about a topic in one colour then fill in gaps with another colour.

 

How  to use Past Papers effectively

I find that using timed conditions for all subjects is not the best,it really depends on if your weakness is the time management,making silly mistakes and not understanding the question or the actual exam content.Adjust conditions to what you feel works for you and the subject but be honest about your weaknesses as it may be you need to dissect each question,or do half of the paper or do the entire paper in timed conditions.

Targetted-do it without your notes you need to actively find out your weaknesses  and write down the topics of your weakness.

Fill in Gaps-Look at mark scheme and understand why you got the question wrong or ask a teacher or chatgpt,while reviewing be honest and think like an examiner and add more points from textbooks, or resources online so not only are you testing yourself but your also learning and consolidating information.

Create Memory aids-add this information to a flashcard,summary sheet or mind map and do any of the above memory strategies.

Topic is done-use spaced repetition to store memory in long-term memory now

 

Organisation Skills

-Make sure all your resources are organised where you can use folders or digital systems like one note or notion.

-Make notes clear so you can read efficiently/work on your handwriting

-Daily to do lists and weekly goals>>timetables as they are adapaptable in your life,flexible and breaks studying into smaller more manageable chunks just remember to set realistic goals

Self Care

-In order to consolidate your memory and ensure the information sticks-aim for 7-9 hours of sleep.

-Move your body even if it is just for 10 minutes-makes you focus more

-Hydration and Snacks-water,caffeine,fruit etc

-Dont tie self worth to productivity-were all human

-Declutter your study area

-Ensure you spend time with your family or friends because it makes the load easier.

Stay tuned for more lessons and if you want some support or advice just click here https://tally.so/r/mBR5q5