Study Skills Tips
Maynooth Post Primary School has organized Study Skills courses for examination students for some years.
The Parents’ Association has arranged information nights for parents on several occasions so that parents would be aware of the format of the course so that they might be able to assist their son/daughter to study effectively and in as stress-free a manner possible.
Here are some tips/suggestions which students may find helpful:
Planning and organisation are the keys to success
- Goal Setting
- Set realistic goals for each subject, for each exam.
- Goals are measurable, specific and achievable.
- Set specific goals for each week, - e.g. learn 5 new French words every week.
- Make out a goals chart something like this:
- Successful people are goal setters
- Set targets and time limits
2. Time Management
- Make out a timetable to include homework, study, TV, sports etc.
- Study in short blocks of around 25 minutes
- Take regular short breaks
- Always study against the clock
- Close the book when doing homework (learn it, do it, check it)
3. Study Environment
- Good lighting and ventilation
- Clear, tidy desk
- Organized notes (in folders)
- Work at desk, relax elsewhere
4. Note Taking
- Clear, concise notes
- Make vertical lists rather than long summaries
5. A Study method
- Preview (what do I know already??)
- Skim (look over sub-headings, diagrams, maps)
- Set a target for the 25 minute session
- Study (read, then take concise notes)
- Review (what do I know now??)
6. Reviewing
- The secret is in regular reviewing
- Check original notes on the topic
- Circle all omissions and mistakes
7. Exam Techniques
- Plan well ahead
- The timing of the paper is critical – know beforehand how much time is allocated to each section/question
- Circle key words in the question
- Think – organize – write
- Writing always comes last!!
There are 3 essentials for success:
- Ambition/goals
- A belief in oneself (‘I can, because I believe I can’)
- A plan
Watch this space for updates. As we obtain more information on this topic we will post it to the site.
Last updated: 20 Sep 2005 Document curator: Mary Oliver
