Catherine McAuley College: Study Help

We recommend that you keep track of SACs, Homework & Revision using ALL of the following ways:

CHECKLISTS What: These can be post-it notes on your desktop or a phsyical notepad list.  Why: Don't 'delete' as they are finished - write done or tick them off - this is so you can see all the work that you have done - make it visual. Delete at the end of the week.
DIARY What:This is where you record what needs doing whilst you are at school. Can be a physical diary or the diary in Outlook. Why: One simple way to keep all due tasks and transfer this to you planners when you are at home.
WEEKLY PLANNER What: This may be a physical printed document (include your timetable in it) or an online Outlook version, etc.  Why: Organise this at the start of each week - Where are you placing your 'study time'?
SEMESTER or TERM PLANNER  What:This may be an Officeworks actual desk-size month by month pad or a whiteboard where you draw up your term.  Why: This allows you to quickly see the 'flow' of the term - when to start revising for exams, deadlines/due dates, etc.

Make Sunday or Monday your 'organisation' day - look at what you have FINISHED the previous week, what still needs DOING and PLAN for the following week.  

How much to study (minimum) per week?

Year 10 = 10 hours

Year 11 = 15 hours 

Year 12 = 20 hours 

Below are documents you can use to ogranise your studies. 

How can we help? 
Mrs Wallace is available to help develop your study skills in all the following areas:  

• Setting up a study timetable
• Set short term and long term goals
• Finding relevant and reliable information
• Exam Preparation
• Revision Strategies
• Summarising/Note-taking
• Time Management
• Determining how you learn best and what your learning style is 

Students

Book a time by dropping into the Library or by emailing Mrs Wallace. 
When? Best times are during lunchtime, before school or after school.

Visit La Trobe University's Study Help page for further information too. 

So I have found the time ... and the place to study ... what do I do now?

Below are some tips on how to revise and study for your subjects. Some tips suit particular subjects better. For example, concept maps are great for Science but past papers are better for Maths. 

Important Points:

• Repetition is essential! You must commit ideas to long term memory and this requires regular repetition. BUT don't just read your notes.
• Structure Information
  • Reorganise the information in a way that you learn best and can remember it.
  • Use concept maps, graphic organisers, visuals / clip art, flow charts, etc. (Watch a Mind Map Video here)
  • Make sense / understand the information. Ask yourself:
    • Where does this fit in whith what I already know?
    • What are the connections here? How does this relate to X? 
    • Where does this apply in my world?
    • What interests me about this? 
    • What is the big picture here?
  • Can you get each topic down to one page of notes?

ALSO ... 

• Space your revision times - Don't cram!
• Take breaks
• Avoid distractions - disconnect the internet if you don't need it; turn you phone off, etc. 
• Sleep - Get enough!
• Control you emotions - you don't learn or remember well when you are stressed or upset. 
• Do you know your Learning Style? How do you learn best?
• Actively listen in class 
• Take notes in class - even if you aren't asked to! Revise these notes at home that night and organise them into a style you understand. 
• Have a system for taking notes - Highlight key ideas, asterix things you need to know more about, etc. 
• Stick things you need to memorise around the house - back of the toilet door.
• Reward yourself
• Set a goal
• Sit at a proper desk
• Teach someone else the information
• Find good study friends to form a study group and revise together
• Use your school Library to study in - we're open until 5pm Mon-Thur. 
• Use a whiteboard - go over your work and teach yourself 
•  

Youth Central

Provided by the Victorian Government, this site offers some great advice on study tips, exam tips, stress free study and links to other sites

Study vibe

A great site that offers advice on study behaviours, research techniques, goal setting and tools to use for completing projects etc.

Ergo

The State Library of Victoria site that offers great advice on studying, getting organised, surviving exams and managing stress.

Good Study Behaviours