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Did you know that IQ is not the main predictor of academic achievement?
That right! The three main predictors of academic performance are:
- Having a study schedule
- Being self-motivated
- Doing practice exams
Solid consistent study trumps IQ every time!
Creating an effective study schedule
That right! The three main predictors of academic performance are:
- Having a study schedule
- Being self-motivated
- Doing practice exams
Solid consistent study trumps IQ every time!
Creating an effective study schedule
Image courtesy of Carol - Flickr. Click on image to view licence.
1. The most successful way to create a study schedule is to FIRST put in all the times when you are NOT going to study in your term planner. This is where you mark on your planner things like social events, hobbies, sporting commitments, after school or weekend jobs, chores to help at home or any other commitments. Reserve plenty of time for rest, sleep and exercise.
2. Next fit the study around it. Schedule time to do homework and assessments plus time to do revision and create study notes based on your syllabus dot points. Be realistic and don't create a schedule that is overly rigid or that isn't flexible enough to accommodate emergencies or conflicts that may arise.
The key to an effective study schedule is balance. Scheduling time to do the things you love will help you stick to your study routine. Having a balance also improves productivity and reduces stress and prevents being overwhelmed when deadlines are approaching.
2021 Term Planner
Self-motivation involves:
- sticking to your study schedule
- cutting out distractions
- avoiding procrastination.
Your Study Schedule should be displayed in your study area and copied to your student diary. You should check it daily to be of most benefit. Cross off each day as you progress through the term. This will act as a visual reminder to help you to see that you are progressively achieving your goals. Sure, you may have to change your schedule around from time to time as things crop up, but don't use this as an excuse to give it away entirely. You perhaps might like to use a reward system and reward yourself as you achieve certain milestones to help you stick to your study schedule.
See also:
Passion and Perserverence - The predictor of Success
Distractions can be minimised by creating a quiet and relaxed study space. It is also important to turn off social media and mobile devices etc. While some students insists they study better with the TV on or listening to music, the latest research in neuroscience shows that multitasking actually impairs learning. So ensure to minimise any noise.
See also:
Written Word and Spoken Text Do Not Mix
Multitasking Impairs Memory & Learning
Procrastination can be a destructive habit that can stop you from fulfilling your true potential. The key to controlling this destructive habit is to recognise when you are procrastinating, understand why it happens (even to the best of us), and take active steps to manage your time and outcomes better.
See these tips on Beating Procrastination
See these tips on How to stay motivated
2. Next fit the study around it. Schedule time to do homework and assessments plus time to do revision and create study notes based on your syllabus dot points. Be realistic and don't create a schedule that is overly rigid or that isn't flexible enough to accommodate emergencies or conflicts that may arise.
The key to an effective study schedule is balance. Scheduling time to do the things you love will help you stick to your study routine. Having a balance also improves productivity and reduces stress and prevents being overwhelmed when deadlines are approaching.
2021 Term Planner
Self-motivation involves:
- sticking to your study schedule
- cutting out distractions
- avoiding procrastination.
Your Study Schedule should be displayed in your study area and copied to your student diary. You should check it daily to be of most benefit. Cross off each day as you progress through the term. This will act as a visual reminder to help you to see that you are progressively achieving your goals. Sure, you may have to change your schedule around from time to time as things crop up, but don't use this as an excuse to give it away entirely. You perhaps might like to use a reward system and reward yourself as you achieve certain milestones to help you stick to your study schedule.
See also:
Passion and Perserverence - The predictor of Success
Distractions can be minimised by creating a quiet and relaxed study space. It is also important to turn off social media and mobile devices etc. While some students insists they study better with the TV on or listening to music, the latest research in neuroscience shows that multitasking actually impairs learning. So ensure to minimise any noise.
See also:
Written Word and Spoken Text Do Not Mix
Multitasking Impairs Memory & Learning
Procrastination can be a destructive habit that can stop you from fulfilling your true potential. The key to controlling this destructive habit is to recognise when you are procrastinating, understand why it happens (even to the best of us), and take active steps to manage your time and outcomes better.
See these tips on Beating Procrastination
See these tips on How to stay motivated
Image: Promodoro technique courtesy of Michael Mayer - Flickr. Click on image to view licence.
Using the Promodoro Technique to conquer procrastination
This technique aims to get you to do just a small chunk of work at a time.
1. Start by ensuring that there are no distractions.
2. Decide on a task to work on.
3. Set your timer for 25 minutes. Your aim is not to complete a set task but to work with focused attention for 25 minutes.
4. After 25 minutes go and do something you enjoy or relax for 5 minutes.
5. After four 25 minute sessions (100 minutes of work time with 15 minutes of break time) you then take a 15-20 minute break.
This technique also helps you to understand that relaxation is an important part of the learning process. This is because what you learned during the 25 minutes of focused attention is kind of percolating through your brain when you are relaxing away from studies. This is when the brain is operating in the Diffused Mode as opposed to the Focused Mode.
For more information on the Promodoro Technique and Focused v Diffused brain operations see the TEDx Talk video below.
The concepts of studying in short bursts as per the Promodoro Technique have been supported by recent studies in neuroscience. It has been determined that:
- regular study intervals over a period of time results in much better long-term memory and performance compared to short-term cramming.
- when preparing for exams, several short practice sessions are more beneficial than one lengthy review prior to the test date.
See also:
Memorising and Mnemonics
Spacing out practice enhances memory
What causes mind blanks during exams?
Study Hacks
This technique aims to get you to do just a small chunk of work at a time.
1. Start by ensuring that there are no distractions.
2. Decide on a task to work on.
3. Set your timer for 25 minutes. Your aim is not to complete a set task but to work with focused attention for 25 minutes.
4. After 25 minutes go and do something you enjoy or relax for 5 minutes.
5. After four 25 minute sessions (100 minutes of work time with 15 minutes of break time) you then take a 15-20 minute break.
This technique also helps you to understand that relaxation is an important part of the learning process. This is because what you learned during the 25 minutes of focused attention is kind of percolating through your brain when you are relaxing away from studies. This is when the brain is operating in the Diffused Mode as opposed to the Focused Mode.
For more information on the Promodoro Technique and Focused v Diffused brain operations see the TEDx Talk video below.
The concepts of studying in short bursts as per the Promodoro Technique have been supported by recent studies in neuroscience. It has been determined that:
- regular study intervals over a period of time results in much better long-term memory and performance compared to short-term cramming.
- when preparing for exams, several short practice sessions are more beneficial than one lengthy review prior to the test date.
See also:
Memorising and Mnemonics
Spacing out practice enhances memory
What causes mind blanks during exams?
Study Hacks
TEDx Talk - Learning How to Learn: Understanding the brain's Focused and Diffused modes of operation
2021 HSC Exam Timetable
NESA - Exam Advice and Resources for Students
Sydney Uni - Getting through your HSC - A practical guide
NESA - Exam Advice and Resources for Students
Sydney Uni - Getting through your HSC - A practical guide
Need a Free Tutor?
Blacktown Library (and other local librares) provides free Studiosity online study and assignment help from qualified tutors. Subjects include Maths, English, Science and more.
If you are not already a member it is well worthwhile to pop into your local branch and join up. It's free!
Visit: Studiosity
Sign in using your Blacktown Library Card number
Blacktown Library (and other local librares) provides free Studiosity online study and assignment help from qualified tutors. Subjects include Maths, English, Science and more.
If you are not already a member it is well worthwhile to pop into your local branch and join up. It's free!
Visit: Studiosity
Sign in using your Blacktown Library Card number
Practice Exams
The more practice exams you undertake prior to an exam, the better prepared you will feel. You will also improve your results. In fact, a student's results can best be estimated based on the number of practice exams they have done.
HSC students can access past exams from NESA.
Initially it is best to use open-book for the first few times you tackle practice papers. Afterwards you can do them under exam conditions.
You should also approach your teacher or tutor to agree to provide you with feedback on your practice exams. This feedback will help you to improve your grades and to get more adept in answering short and extended responses.
See also:
Academic Writing
ALARM - A learning and responding matrix
The more practice exams you undertake prior to an exam, the better prepared you will feel. You will also improve your results. In fact, a student's results can best be estimated based on the number of practice exams they have done.
HSC students can access past exams from NESA.
Initially it is best to use open-book for the first few times you tackle practice papers. Afterwards you can do them under exam conditions.
You should also approach your teacher or tutor to agree to provide you with feedback on your practice exams. This feedback will help you to improve your grades and to get more adept in answering short and extended responses.
See also:
Academic Writing
ALARM - A learning and responding matrix
Using Practice Exams
TEDx Talk - What do top students do differently?
Preparing for exams
Exam preparation cannot successfully be accomplished if left to the last few days beforehand.
You need to be preparing for your exams at least three weeks prior to the exam date.
Pre-exam Tips
Three weeks prior to the exam
Use this week to create and organise your study notes using your preferred Note taking and Summarising techniques.
Preliminary and HSC students should ensure that your notes are organised under the syllabus dot points for your subjects.
Two weeks prior to the exam
Use this week to memorise the information in your study notes using "chunking" and other Memorising and Mnemonic techniques.
One week prior to exams
Use this week to do three practice exams. Initially it is best to use open-book for the first two and exam conditions for the final one.
Once you are familiar with this exam preparation you can then make only the first practice exam an open-book type.
Use the feedback from your teacher or tutor to help you improve your knowledge and skills.
When time is pressed
It is recommended that you create your study notes and use memorising and mnemonic techniques as you are progressing through each of your subjects, as part of your regular study regime, rather than leave these until three weeks prior to an exam.
In real terms, you will often be sitting all of your subject exams in a one week or two week period. This would mean cramming your exam preparation for all of your subjects into this three week period. This is neither realisically achievable nor advisable.
By having the first two steps well prepared and practiced already, you will then be able to concentrate on doing the practice exams.
HSC students can find past HSC exams to use as practice paper on the BOSTES website.
You need to be preparing for your exams at least three weeks prior to the exam date.
Pre-exam Tips
Three weeks prior to the exam
Use this week to create and organise your study notes using your preferred Note taking and Summarising techniques.
Preliminary and HSC students should ensure that your notes are organised under the syllabus dot points for your subjects.
Two weeks prior to the exam
Use this week to memorise the information in your study notes using "chunking" and other Memorising and Mnemonic techniques.
One week prior to exams
Use this week to do three practice exams. Initially it is best to use open-book for the first two and exam conditions for the final one.
Once you are familiar with this exam preparation you can then make only the first practice exam an open-book type.
Use the feedback from your teacher or tutor to help you improve your knowledge and skills.
When time is pressed
It is recommended that you create your study notes and use memorising and mnemonic techniques as you are progressing through each of your subjects, as part of your regular study regime, rather than leave these until three weeks prior to an exam.
In real terms, you will often be sitting all of your subject exams in a one week or two week period. This would mean cramming your exam preparation for all of your subjects into this three week period. This is neither realisically achievable nor advisable.
By having the first two steps well prepared and practiced already, you will then be able to concentrate on doing the practice exams.
HSC students can find past HSC exams to use as practice paper on the BOSTES website.
Exam Slaying Checklist
Reach Out (2018) https://au.reachout.com/articles/reachouts-exam-slaying-checklist
Coping strategies for Exam Stress
Reach Out (2018) https://au.reachout.com/articles/coping-strategies-for-exam-stress
There are a number of ways to deal with stress.
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to unwind and de-stress. You may feel that you don't have time for exercise but making time to exercise will help you de-stress and better cope with study and other life demands. As always, a balanced lifestyle is key.
Regular exercise has been proven to:
- Reduce stress
- Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
- Improve memory
- Boost self-esteem
- Improve sleep
When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain and trigger a positive feeling in the body.
Some people may also like to do yoga, meditate or practice mindfulness exercises.
Remember that a good study regime involves leading a balanced life by including doing the things you love.
See also:
Handling Stress at Exam Time - Kid's Helpline
5 Apps for Beating Exam Stress
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to unwind and de-stress. You may feel that you don't have time for exercise but making time to exercise will help you de-stress and better cope with study and other life demands. As always, a balanced lifestyle is key.
Regular exercise has been proven to:
- Reduce stress
- Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
- Improve memory
- Boost self-esteem
- Improve sleep
When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain and trigger a positive feeling in the body.
Some people may also like to do yoga, meditate or practice mindfulness exercises.
Remember that a good study regime involves leading a balanced life by including doing the things you love.
See also:
Handling Stress at Exam Time - Kid's Helpline
5 Apps for Beating Exam Stress
DeStress - How you can clear your head after a long study day
Share on Facebook and Twitter
References and further reading
Barton, D. (2015). What do top students do differently? Elevate Education. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na8m4GPqA30&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop
BOSTES,. (2016). 2016 HSC exam timetable. NSW Students Online. Retrieved from http://studentsonline.bostes.nsw.edu.au/go/exams/hsc_2016_exam_timetable/
BOSTES,. (2016). Advice to HSC students about examinations. NSW Students Online. Retrieved from http://studentsonline.bostes.nsw.edu.au/go/exams/preparing_for_your_written_exams/advice-hsc-exams/
Bryant, K. (2012). Pomodoro Productivity: A Simple Time-Management Technique to Eliminate Procrastination. DWUser.com Education Center. Retrieved from http://www.dwuser.com/education/content/pomodoro-productivity-a-simple-time-management-technique-to-eliminate-procrastination/#idc-cover
Centre for Continuing Education (2019). Getting through your HSC - A practical guide. CCE University of Sydney. Available at: https://cce.sydney.edu.au/getting-through-your-hsc-a-practical-guide.
Cooney Horvath, J. (2019). Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from brain science to make your message stick. Sydney, Exisle Publishing.
Cooney Horvath, J. (2016). Multitasking Impairs Memory & Learning. Science of Learning Research Centre. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7e3WnmNkhQ&feature=youtu.be
Cooney Horvath, J. (2016). Spacing-Out Practice Enhances Memory. Science of Learning Research Centre. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgGFmyNpANM
Cooney Horvath, J. (2016.) Written Word and Spoken Text Do Not Mix.
Science of Learning Research Centre. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R9Ko32XT70
Cooney Horvath, J. & Lodge, J.M. (2016). What causes mind blanks during exams?. The Conversation. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/what-causes-mind-blanks-during-exams-67380
Entrepreneur (2015) 15 Ways to Overcome Procrastination and Get Stuff Done. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVb0XltLSZ8
Elevate Education. (2016). Elevate Education. Retrieved from: http://au.elevateeducation.com/
Focus Booster App. (2016). The Pomodoro Technique. Focusboosterapp.com. Retrieved from https://www.focusboosterapp.com/the-pomodoro-technique
Intelligent.com. (2016). Create a Study Plan. Intelligent.com. Retrieved from https://www.intelligent.com/create-a-study-plan/
Lee Duckwork, A. (2013). Grit: the power of passion and perseverance. TED-Ed Lessons. Retrieved from https://ed.ted.com/on/2WZKwGKV
Living Well. (2014). Mindfulness exercises: A free audio series. Living Well. Retrieved from https://www.livingwell.org.au/mindfulness-exercises-3/
Mayo Clinic. (2015). Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress. Mayo clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469?pg=1
Mindtools. (2016). Overcoming Procrastination: Manage Your Time. Get It All Done, Mindtools.com. Retrieved from: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_96.htm
NSW Government (2016). Board of studies teaching and educational standards. Retrieved from http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/
Oakley, B. (2014) Learning how to learn. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96fE1E-rf8
Online Study Australia. (2016). Study Planner and Timetable. Online Study Australia. Retrieved from https://onlinestudyaustralia.com/study-planner-timetable/
Reach Out Australia (2018). Coping strategies for exam stress. Au.reachout.com. Available at: https://au.reachout.com/articles/coping-strategies-for-exam-stress
Reach Out Australia (2018). Study hacks. Au.reachout.com. Available at: https://au.reachout.com/articles/study-hacks.
State Library of Victoria,. (2017). Study skills. Ergo. Retrieved from http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/study-skills
State Library Victoria. (2016). Deal with procrastination. Ergo. Retrieved from http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/study-skills/manage-stress/deal-procrastination
Stop Procrastinating App. (2016). Exam Stress: Students Reveal Top Tips To Beat Exam Stress. Stopprocrastinatingapp.com. Retrieved from http://www.stopprocrastinatingapp.com/exam-stress/
Weinstein, Y., Smith, M., & Caviglioli, O. (2018). Six Strategies for Effective Learning: Materials for Teachers and Students. The Learning Scientists. Retrieved from http://www.learningscientists.org/downloadable-materials
Willis, J. (2017). Brain-Based Strategies to Reduce Test Stress. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/brain-based-strategies-reduce-test-stress-judy-willis?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialflow
Image Credits
1000 Funny Pictures,. (2014). Image: Monkey Study – Funny Monkeys. 1000 Funny Pictures. Retrieved from http://1000funnypictures.com/funny-monkeys-i/monkey-study-funny-monkeys/
Carol,. (2016). Image: Free School-Themed Planner Stickers. Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/puresugar/20277848564
Mayer, M. (2012). Image: Pomodoro Technique (illustration). Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_mayer/6969282632
Reach Out Australia (2018). Exam slaying checklist. Au.reachout.com. Available at: https://au.reachout.com/articles/reachouts-exam-slaying-checklist
Barton, D. (2015). What do top students do differently? Elevate Education. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na8m4GPqA30&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop
BOSTES,. (2016). 2016 HSC exam timetable. NSW Students Online. Retrieved from http://studentsonline.bostes.nsw.edu.au/go/exams/hsc_2016_exam_timetable/
BOSTES,. (2016). Advice to HSC students about examinations. NSW Students Online. Retrieved from http://studentsonline.bostes.nsw.edu.au/go/exams/preparing_for_your_written_exams/advice-hsc-exams/
Bryant, K. (2012). Pomodoro Productivity: A Simple Time-Management Technique to Eliminate Procrastination. DWUser.com Education Center. Retrieved from http://www.dwuser.com/education/content/pomodoro-productivity-a-simple-time-management-technique-to-eliminate-procrastination/#idc-cover
Centre for Continuing Education (2019). Getting through your HSC - A practical guide. CCE University of Sydney. Available at: https://cce.sydney.edu.au/getting-through-your-hsc-a-practical-guide.
Cooney Horvath, J. (2019). Stop Talking, Start Influencing: 12 Insights from brain science to make your message stick. Sydney, Exisle Publishing.
Cooney Horvath, J. (2016). Multitasking Impairs Memory & Learning. Science of Learning Research Centre. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7e3WnmNkhQ&feature=youtu.be
Cooney Horvath, J. (2016). Spacing-Out Practice Enhances Memory. Science of Learning Research Centre. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgGFmyNpANM
Cooney Horvath, J. (2016.) Written Word and Spoken Text Do Not Mix.
Science of Learning Research Centre. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R9Ko32XT70
Cooney Horvath, J. & Lodge, J.M. (2016). What causes mind blanks during exams?. The Conversation. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/what-causes-mind-blanks-during-exams-67380
Entrepreneur (2015) 15 Ways to Overcome Procrastination and Get Stuff Done. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVb0XltLSZ8
Elevate Education. (2016). Elevate Education. Retrieved from: http://au.elevateeducation.com/
Focus Booster App. (2016). The Pomodoro Technique. Focusboosterapp.com. Retrieved from https://www.focusboosterapp.com/the-pomodoro-technique
Intelligent.com. (2016). Create a Study Plan. Intelligent.com. Retrieved from https://www.intelligent.com/create-a-study-plan/
Lee Duckwork, A. (2013). Grit: the power of passion and perseverance. TED-Ed Lessons. Retrieved from https://ed.ted.com/on/2WZKwGKV
Living Well. (2014). Mindfulness exercises: A free audio series. Living Well. Retrieved from https://www.livingwell.org.au/mindfulness-exercises-3/
Mayo Clinic. (2015). Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress. Mayo clinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469?pg=1
Mindtools. (2016). Overcoming Procrastination: Manage Your Time. Get It All Done, Mindtools.com. Retrieved from: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_96.htm
NSW Government (2016). Board of studies teaching and educational standards. Retrieved from http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/
Oakley, B. (2014) Learning how to learn. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O96fE1E-rf8
Online Study Australia. (2016). Study Planner and Timetable. Online Study Australia. Retrieved from https://onlinestudyaustralia.com/study-planner-timetable/
Reach Out Australia (2018). Coping strategies for exam stress. Au.reachout.com. Available at: https://au.reachout.com/articles/coping-strategies-for-exam-stress
Reach Out Australia (2018). Study hacks. Au.reachout.com. Available at: https://au.reachout.com/articles/study-hacks.
State Library of Victoria,. (2017). Study skills. Ergo. Retrieved from http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/study-skills
State Library Victoria. (2016). Deal with procrastination. Ergo. Retrieved from http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/study-skills/manage-stress/deal-procrastination
Stop Procrastinating App. (2016). Exam Stress: Students Reveal Top Tips To Beat Exam Stress. Stopprocrastinatingapp.com. Retrieved from http://www.stopprocrastinatingapp.com/exam-stress/
Weinstein, Y., Smith, M., & Caviglioli, O. (2018). Six Strategies for Effective Learning: Materials for Teachers and Students. The Learning Scientists. Retrieved from http://www.learningscientists.org/downloadable-materials
Willis, J. (2017). Brain-Based Strategies to Reduce Test Stress. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/brain-based-strategies-reduce-test-stress-judy-willis?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialflow
Image Credits
1000 Funny Pictures,. (2014). Image: Monkey Study – Funny Monkeys. 1000 Funny Pictures. Retrieved from http://1000funnypictures.com/funny-monkeys-i/monkey-study-funny-monkeys/
Carol,. (2016). Image: Free School-Themed Planner Stickers. Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/puresugar/20277848564
Mayer, M. (2012). Image: Pomodoro Technique (illustration). Flickr. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_mayer/6969282632
Reach Out Australia (2018). Exam slaying checklist. Au.reachout.com. Available at: https://au.reachout.com/articles/reachouts-exam-slaying-checklist
Our Virtual Library by Cathy Costello is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
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