Study Skills

Individuals learn differently and therefore there is not one right study method for everyone. There are different study methods and it is important for you to choose the method that complements your learning style.

By now you should know which method works for you. Does it work? Be honest. How well do you do in tests and exams.

Talk to your friends and find out how they study and how it works for them.

Activity 1

  1. Write down a short paragraph on how you study and why it works for you.
  2. Compare your method with some of your friends’ methods and see if you want to make some adjustments to how you study.

Examination Writing Skills

Activity 2

Ask your teacher for a final exam paper of 2014. Examine the paper and do the following:

  1. Write down/underline the operative words (words telling you what to do / verbs) in question 1.2.3 and 1.2.6.
  2. Imagine you are standing in front of a class. Explain to the learners what exactly they should do in question 3.3.
  3. What will be assessed in question 6?
  4. Learners got 1½ hours to answer the paper. How would you divide your time of 1½ hours to answer the paper?

Put down the amount of minutes you will use per question.

Study Plan

Your grade 12 school year is very short. Each and every informal and formal assessment activity/task is important in preparing you for the final examination. You have to use your time effectively and manage it well.

Tips

  • It is important to develop a study plan that works for you. Allocate time for study, homework and recreation/relaxation.
  • Do not wait until the last minute.
  • Avoid procrastination (delaying) work as much as possible.
  • Be honest with yourself; put in your schedule/study plan what you can do and notwhat you wish to do.
  • Try to NOT use technology during your free time or you’ll be tempted.
  • It is sometimes better to start off with only a day by day schedule, stick to it for a week and then plan for whole weeks.
  • Adjust your schedule as you see fit. If you have perhaps schedule a specific subject for too much time, go back and adjust the time allocations.
  • If you miss a study session, reschedule ASAP.

Steps in developing a Study plan

  1. Assess your current schedule. Have a healthy balance between your studies, social life and sleep.
  2. List the Subjects you need to study. Also rank them from subjects you feel least confident to most confident.
  3. Get your calendar. Highlight the dates/events that is fixed. E.g. mid-year exam, brother’s 21st birthday, etc. See what time in each dayyou are free to study. E.g. 16h00 – 19h00 every day.
  4. Schedule study sessions in 20 or 30 minute blocks. Make sure you break regularly.
  5. Write down the subject in each session. Organize your textbooks and study materials ahead of time.
  6. Stick to the schedule. Put it up somewhere that you are able to see it every day.

Activity 3

After reading the tips and steps in developing a study plan, develop one for yourself to prepare for the Controlled Tests coming up.

______