Is there a winning formula to study effectively? - Part 1
Hanno Schoeman and Villene van der Westhuizen • August 29, 2020
There just might be.
To understand the concept of effective study, we need to understand and establish what the process entails. Study skills refer to methods and techniques that aid effective learning, especially viewed as a set of skills that can indeed be acquired or taught, i.e. the ability to study effectively.
If students were to spend quality time studying effectively, almost no student would struggle to excel. The first step, therefore, is to set clear and achievable goals and objectives in a particular field of study. The improvement of marks is not as hard as most students might think. It is a proven fact that most students have no idea what the word “study” actually means. The misconception that excessive hours behind a desk, guarantee good marks, is misleading. Some students are at the top of their grade without spending hours on a subject. What can be done to achieve better results?
Firstly, the student must set clear, achievable goals by following a formalised, daily study programme. The issue of actually understanding the learning content contributes greatly to reduce time behind a desk. It is, therefore, advisable to be in contact with teachers and/or peers to explain learning content that the student does not understand. There is no point trying to summarise or study learning content that the student does not understand.
The next necessary step is to summarise important points and create ways and means of remembering these indicators, like using a mind map, coloured markers, flash cards, etc (these have been proven to help study effectively). Therefore, the student must experiment to find the best way suited to his or her individual needs to remember notes, summaries or mind maps.
Organisational skills and effective time management help a great deal to categorise information in context of a topic or a subject. Another great source of motivation is creating study groups or getting a study partner and organise the content according to a scheduled programme and adhere to time frames. The value of synergy in helping to study effectively is greatly under-estimated.
Students often attempt studying while actually being distracted by television, music, cell phones, social media and constant interruption by something. The trail of concentration is basically non-existent and there can be no effective learning while constantly being challenged by never-ending distractions.
Additionally, it is always advisable to first focus on subjects that the student finds challenging. Small victories in a difficult field of study, greatly inspires any student and builds self-confidence. Repetition is the mother of successful study; therefore, it is always a good idea to revisit learning content and revise the previous day’s work to the point of total satisfaction and understanding. In this regard it is also a good idea to constantly work out old exam papers and have these marked by the teacher to further identify and assist with problem areas.
Lastly, it is good to remember the following words of Winston Churchill “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm”. One must employ sheer will to succeed and be willing to make great sacrifices in order to study effectively and succeed.
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As the preliminary and final examinations approach, both students and parents or guardians often experience heightened anxiety and stress. This guide provides practical strategies to help parents and guardians support their children through this critical phase of their academic journey. 1. Foster Effective Organization Create an environment conducive to studying by providing a quiet, well-lit study space equipped with essential stationery. Collaborate with your child to develop a structured study timetable to set clear expectations and promote disciplined preparation. Encourage the use of resources such as past question papers, which serve as valuable tools for revision and practice. 2. Maintain Daily Check-Ins Schedule regular, intentional conversations, such as during dinner, to discuss your child’s progress. Inquire about their experience with the day’s examination paper, adherence to their study schedule, and their feelings about upcoming tests. These check-ins foster open communication and allow you to gauge their emotional and academic state. 3. Minimize Distractions Help your child stay focused by keeping electronic devices like phones, tablets, and gaming consoles out of reach during study sessions. Set boundaries on screen time and social media access to prevent procrastination. While challenging, limiting Wi-Fi access during study hours can significantly enhance productivity. 4. Support Emotional Awareness Encourage your child to identify and articulate their emotions, such as anxiety, stress, or fatigue . Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them effectively. Discuss coping strategies to help them navigate emotional challenges during this period. 5. Teach Self-Regulation Techniques Guide your child in practicing self-regulation to manage stress. Techniques include: Breathing Exercises : Inhale deeply for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and repeat. Sensory Focus : Identify five things they can see or hear to ground themselves in the moment. Tactile Stimulation : Hold a cold object to shift focus and reduce anxiety. These methods can help your child regain calm and focus during stressful moments. 6. Promote a Balanced Routine Prolonged study sessions late into the night can lead to burnout. Monitor your child’s study habits and encourage breaks to maintain balance. Plan activities such as outings with friends, a family meal, or short recreational periods with access to devices. Engaging in non-academic activities, like helping prepare dinner, can provide a refreshing change of focus. 7. Prioritize Self-Care Support your child’s well-being by ensuring they: Eat nutritious, regular meals. Get at least eight hours of sleep by limiting screen time before bed. Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, dancing, or gym workouts. These practices help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common during examination periods. 8. Practice Empathy and Patience The examination period can be emotionally taxing for both students and parents. Approach your child with empathy, actively listening and offering guidance without criticism. This fosters a supportive environment, bolstering their mental health and sense of inclusion. By implementing these strategies, parents and guardians can play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate the challenges of examinations with confidence and resilience. Good luck to all the Grade 12 students with the upcoming examinations - you most certainly can do it!
