ADVICE FOR SENIOR STUDENTS
Mastering the Art of Efficient Studying: 8 Secret Weapon Tips Revealed
Boost Your Study Game
Clever ways you may not have heard of to minimise the angst for high school students.
Dr Selina Samuels Monday, 5 June 2023
In the realm of homework, opinions are often unfavorable, characterized by notions of it being time-consuming, stressful, and boring. However, Dr. Selina Samuels, Chief Learning Officer at Connect2Learn, suggests innovative ways to alleviate high school students’ angst. Unique methods like the ‘Café test’ and the ’90 + 20 minute rule’ can significantly impact studying, planning, and revision.
Dr. Samuels acknowledges the abundance of conventional advice on effective learning but introduces her ‘secret weapons’—methods that might not be as well-known. As Term 2 sees many high schools conducting exams, Dr. Samuels compiles top studying tips derived from her own experiences as a student and teacher of successful students.
See everything as a draft:
- Overcoming the fear of being wrong is crucial for timely assignment submission and genuine learning. Treating all work as a draft until submission neutralizes perfectionism and encourages creativity through learning from mistakes and feedback.
Overcome blank screen fear with the one paragraph trick:
- Initiate the writing process by starting with at least one paragraph, even if it’s at the end of the day. This diminishes the fear of a blank page, making it easier to continue the next day.
Stick to the 90 + 20-minute rule:
- Capitalize on the brain’s plasticity by dedicating 90 minutes to learning a new concept, allowing for the initial friction and uneasiness that signifies learning. Follow this with 20 minutes of relaxation to consolidate knowledge.
De-stress: Take meditation or Yoga Nedra breaks during study sessions. Studies show that almost-sleep periods increase brain plasticity.
Walk to Embedded Concepts: Improve memory and cognitive functions by taking walks. Avoid distractions and rather explain key concepts out loud.
Develop connections with the “café test”: Envision a “café test” to create mental maps of relationships between different concepts or facts. This helps build a framework for remembering information.
Get enough sleep: Consolidate and embed new skills and knowledge during sleep. It’s crucial to get enough sleep for effective learning.
Study with someone: Encourage group study sessions or tutoring with an experienced educator to improve student outcomes and confidence.
Dr. Samuels concludes that while homework can be challenging, there are tips and tricks to make learning more effective and enjoyable. By combining innovative strategies with fundamental principles, students can greatly improve their learning experience.
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