{"id":1950,"date":"2020-04-22T16:31:15","date_gmt":"2020-04-22T16:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metc.ie\/?page_id=1950"},"modified":"2020-11-16T10:26:17","modified_gmt":"2020-11-16T10:26:17","slug":"the-good-study-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/metc.ie\/index.php\/the-good-study-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Good Study Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tINTRODUCTION<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

(Compiled\nby Pascal Smyth, 1997)<\/span><\/b><\/a> <\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>

The aim of this booklet on Study Skills is to help you become a more successful student. It contains important advice on how to get the most benefit from study, whether you are doing important exams this year or in years to come. It covers motivation, success in school, time management, dealing with homework, study methods, effective revision and success in exams.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most students appreciate that study involves hard work. However, a large number, even if they have the motivation, lack the knowledge about how best to approach study. Success in study and exams requires ability, motivation, hard work and \u2018know how\u2019. Many students with great ability, unfortunately do not achieve exam results which reflect their true potential. This is because they do not match their ability with the required level of motivation and effort. Even great ability will not compensate for the absence of motivation, method and hard work. Often students of average ability perform better because they make better use of the talents they possess. Moderate ability methodically employed is more productive than greater ability employed in an unmethodical way. <\/span>Wouldn\u2019t it be really satisfying if you could achieve assessment and exam results that reflect your true potential?<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember, and be forewarned, that becoming a good student is a long-term process of changing habits of working and ways of thinking about what you are trying to achieve. There are no \u2018quick fixes. Do not attempt to change all of your poor study habits overnight. You should build gradually working on one aspect at a time. With dedication and perseverance, you will develop more efficient habits and, in time, become a very successful student.<\/span>The aim of this booklet on Study Skills is to help you become a more successful student. It contains important advice on how to get the most benefit from study, whether you are doing important exams this year or in years to come. It covers motivation, success in school, time management, dealing with homework, study methods, effective revision and success in exams.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSELF-MOTIVATION <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\u2018You can bring a horse to the water, but you can\u2019t make it drink\u2019! <\/span><\/p>

Self-motivation is much better than cajoling and manipulation by your parents or teachers! It is much preferable if you want to do well in your studies for your own sake. This is the crucial difference between intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivation.<\/span><\/p>

Start by accepting that school and education is necessary and, if used correctly, makes learning much easier. Remember that learning is your responsibility so try to take control of your own learning – do not rely on your parents or teachers to control it for you. Work on adopting a positive mental attitude \u2013 a \u2018growth mindset\u2019, as opposed to a \u2018fixed mindset\u2019.<\/span><\/p>

Accepting that study is not easy, you can motivate yourself by thinking about what it can help you achieve – good results, the points, self-satisfaction, entry to your chosen career, etc. The sheer volume of work in the various subjects can be off-putting and have a negative motivating effect. But a good method of self-motivation is to set yourself challenging yet attainable short-term goals. These relate to daily, weekly and subject goals which will be dealt with later. If you take care of realistic short-term goals the long-term goals will take care of themselves. In this way you can make school and learning a success and achieve your full potential.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Central to this process is the idea of \u2018delayed gratification\u2019. This is when you sacrifice immediate short-term satisfaction for the feeling of greater satisfaction and contentment that you will experience later on, after you have achieved something that required real effort but which has greater meaning and purpose. <\/span><\/p>

Why not adopt the following two mottoes now: <\/span><\/p>

\u2018Today I will do the best I can for one more day\u2019.<\/span><\/p>

\u2018If it is to be, it is all up to me\u2019 <\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSUCCESS IN SCHOOL <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

‘Time is a precious resource – do not waste it’.<\/span><\/p>

It is in your direct interest to make your learning easier. So make the most of school by approaching each class with an attitude of positive self-discipline. See your teachers as a valuable resource which you can use. Get the most from them by giving them your fullest co-operation – let the teacher teach.<\/span><\/p>

The following are some practical steps which will help you to make the best use of your time in school:<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>BE POSITIVE <\/span><\/b><\/p>

The more you learn during class the less work you have to do at home. Teachers will respond positively to your positive participation. It is your loss if you lose interest in the subject. Work with teachers, not against them.<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>BE PREPARED <\/span><\/b><\/p>

Be in class on time. Have your journal, books, written homework and other materials immediately to hand. Make sure you have revised and mastered the previous lesson in the subject.<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>LISTEN <\/span><\/b><\/p>

Pay close attention to what the teacher says especially the weight of importance he or she puts on particular aspects of the topic being covered.<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>OUESTION <\/span><\/b><\/p>

If you do not understand something, ask the teacher to run through it again. You, and other students, will benefit from the clarification. Questioning is a very positive sign – it shows that you are interested.<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>JOT NOTES <\/span><\/b><\/p>

If you are allowed, jot brief notes (key words or phrases) during class. This will help to maintain your concentration. More advice about making notes will be given later. (Listen – Think – Jot)<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>DON\u2019T TOLERATE A \u2018MESSER\u2019 <\/span><\/b><\/p>

A \u2018messer\u2019 is a cheat who wastes valuable time and reduces your chance of doing well. Never encourage a \u2018messer\u2019 in any way eg. being tempted to laugh or getting involved. Messing is destructive.<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES <\/span><\/b><\/p>

Great and actually essential – provided you get the balance right. <\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWHERE TO STUDY: PLANNING & ORGANISATION<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

Just like your time in school, your home study arrangements must be properly planned. You will need to reach agreement with your parents and other family members about where you will work. A good study environment and personal organisation will allow you to work efficiently.<\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>Try to keep a TIDY<\/b> table or desk. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>Ensure GOOD LIGHTING<\/b> – well positioned and without shadows. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>Ensure correct ROOM TEMPERATURE<\/b> – not too hot, not too cold. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>GOOD VENTILATION<\/span><\/b> – diminishing freshness causes drowsiness. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>SCREENTIME\/TELEVISION<\/span><\/b> etc- a definite non-starter! Leave it for your leisure time. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>MUSIC<\/span><\/b> – wean yourself off it. It may not prevent understanding, but it does reduce your ability to recall information. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>SMARTPHONE<\/span><\/b> – turn it off, except if you\u2019re using it for study purposes. Don\u2019t cheat on yourself!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>INTERRUPTIONS<\/span><\/b> – Make sure the people around you understand your study plans and know when to leave you alone. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>GOOD STORAGE<\/span><\/b> – So that you can lay your hands on books, equipment etc, when you need them. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>STATIONERY – <\/span><\/b>pens, pencils, rulers, colouring pencils, highlighters, post-its, calculator, protractor, notebooks, refill pads, ring binders etc<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>WATERBOTTLE – <\/span><\/b>to stay hydrated<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc  <\/span><\/span>LAPTOP\/NOTEBOOK\/IPAD \u2013<\/span><\/b> with internet access, email etc. This may be a problem depending on service provision. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTIME MANAGEMENT - WHEN: PLANNING & ORGANISATION<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

A.   How long? <\/span><\/font><\/font><\/font><\/b><\/p>

B.   One-week study & leisure timetable<\/span><\/b><\/p>

C.   Study breaks <\/span><\/b><\/p>

D.   Friday nights <\/span><\/b><\/p>

E.   Getting started \u2013 don\u2019t\u2019 give in to procrastination<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

A.    <\/span><\/span>How Long?<\/span><\/b>\u2018<\/span><\/p>\n

‘If you don’t do the time, you don’t get the results’.
<\/span>Start by deciding on how much time you should spend on home study, ie, written work and study\/learning work. The following is the suggested minimum time for the six years of secondary school:<\/span><\/p>\n

* First Year: 1-2 Hours
<\/span>* Second Year: 1-2 Hours
<\/span>* Third Year: 2-3 Hours
<\/span>* Transition Year: 2-3 Hours (may be less depending on the style of syllabus)
<\/span>* Fifth Year: 3 Hours
<\/span>* Sixth Year: 3-4 Hours<\/span><\/p>\n

B.    <\/span><\/span>One-week study & leisure timetable<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The next thing is to plan your time for study. The best approach is to include both your study and leisure activities (eg. sport, watching your favourite television programme, gaming etc) on your \u2018one-week study & leisure timetable\u2019. You can fit your leisure activities around your study times or your study times around your leisure activities. Go to Appendix I at the end for an example of a blank \u2018one-week timetable\u2019- print off a number of copies. <\/span><\/p>\n

Each day of the week is divided into hourly time slots. Bearing in mind the recommended daily hours of study for your year, insert your study periods in groups of hourly and half-hourly slots. <\/span><\/p>\n

Since non-study activities like mealtimes, household chores, part-time jobs, training\/matches etc., may have set times, it is better to fill these in first. Perhaps parents or class teachers may be able to help younger students in completing this very important task.<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember to make plenty of photocopies of the chart before you use it so that you will have spare ones to fill in if your timetable changes. You may also need to experiment with different timetables over a few weeks before you get the balance right. <\/span><\/p>\n

Once you have  settled on a workable version try your very best to stick with it. Routine makes the work easier. You will also see that there is more to your life than  school and study and, at the same time, feel content in the knowledge that you are getting the work done and making great progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

C.    <\/span><\/span>Study breaks<\/span><\/b>
<\/span><\/p>\n

Now you have decided when and for how long you are going to work in each session for a period of one week. It is important to take small breaks, particularly if your study session is a long one. About ten minutes per hour\u2019s work is recommended but you should experiment to find out what works best for you. Give yourself a small reward. Resist the temptation to work beyond an hour without a break. Equally, watch the breaks – do your best to get back to work on time. The student who successfully adheres to his one-week study and leisure timetable on an ongoing basis is automatically taking care of his daily and weekly short-term goals mentioned earlier. In turn, the long-term goals will also be realised. <\/span><\/p>\n

D.   <\/span><\/span>Friday nights<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

A word about Friday nights. Many students do not do any work on Friday after school ends. It is strongly recommended that on Friday evenings you should at least complete all written homework received. If you do this, you will not have any worries about written work hanging over you all weekend thus leaving your weekend much more relaxed. In addition, your weekend work sessions are now completely free for study and revision work. This piece of advice is especially relevant for senior students.<\/span><\/p>\n

E.    <\/span><\/span><\/b>Getting started \u2013 don\u2019t give in to procrastination<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Drawing up and sticking to your one-week timetable does require effort. Often the greatest difficulty is simply getting down to work – making the start. Sometimes you may not feel like working after a long day in school. If you immediately give in to this feeling you will not accomplish very much that evening. Instead of giving in, try the 15 minute rule<\/b> – an idea based on the six-minute rule in athletics. Go to your table and work on your favourite subject for 15 minutes. If you feel fine after this time, continue working. However, if you are still genuinely tired take an easy night. Just complete your written homework. Ask yourself why you are tired – too little sleep, anxiety, overworking, not eating well, – then deal with the problem. <\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, remember that if you have the personal qualities of self-motivation, commitment and self-discipline you will make your study plans work and end up getting your just rewards. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEFFECTIVE STUDY - HOW<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t

This section, perhaps the most important of all, deals with the following:

A.\u00a0What home study is and how to go about it
<\/b><\/span>B. How to make notes
<\/strong>C. Improving your memory and recall
<\/strong>D. Completing written homework
<\/strong>E. Writing good essays
<\/strong>F. Doing effective revision
<\/strong>G. The language of exam questions<\/strong><\/p>

A. What is home study and how do you go about it?<\/strong><\/p>

Many students wrongly believe that study is only about completing written homework. There is more to it than this.<\/p>

It involves:<\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0<\/span><\/span>revisionof the day\u2019s classes, <\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0<\/span><\/span>written homework,<\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0<\/span><\/span>revisionof \u2018old\u2019 chapters, and, <\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0<\/span><\/span>completion of chapter notes or highlighting chapters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Start with a subject you find easy. End with a subject you also find easy. In the middle alternate between hard and easy subjects.<\/span><\/p>

For each subject <\/strong>do the following:<\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0<\/span><\/span>revise\u00a0and learn<\/span><\/b> what you\u00a0covered in today\u2019s class, then <\/span><\/p>

\u00fc\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>complete\u00a0the written homework<\/b> in that subject.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

To revise<\/strong> today\u2019s class work, try the following four-step method abbreviated as PCLR: Preview, Compare, Learn, and Review<\/strong>.<\/p>

  1. Preview<\/strong> – Find out how much of the class you can remember by giving yourself a 3-minute brainstorming test. Simply jot down, in any order, words, symbols or diagrams. If you have paid good attention in class, you should be able to remember a good deal of the material. The next step is to concentrate on the information you did not recall.<\/li><\/ol>
    1. Compare<\/strong> – Compare your preview brainstorm to your textbook or class notes. Now you have sorted the \u2018known\u2019 from the \u2018don\u2019t know yet\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>
      1. Learn<\/strong> – Now learn the \u2018don\u2019t know yet\u2019 material. Remember, the more you do in class the less you have to do at home. If your preview brainstorm is not good you will have to look at your classroom performance and do better.<\/li>
      2. Review<\/strong> – Now complete a review by trying to recall all the information. Compare it with your preview which will show you the progress you have made in a short space of time.<\/li><\/ol>

        Now complete your written homework<\/strong>, with, or better still, without the use of the textbook. You should never transcribe or copy directly from the textbook or any other written source.<\/p>

        A word of warning<\/strong> – since it is not easy to develop new study habits, you should only use this 4-step method<\/strong> on one subject at a time for a full week<\/strong>.<\/p>

        Gradually apply it to other subjects. In a couple of months, you will have all your subjects under control.<\/p>

        (Note – If you are sitting your Junior Cycle or Leaving Certificate this year you will also need to revise \u2018old\u2019 chapters during your study sessions. More about this later.)<\/p>

        B.\u00a0<\/span>How to make good notes<\/strong><\/p>

        Making good notes is a skilled activity and, like any skill, it is important to put time into developing it by following a structured approach<\/strong>. Notes should be brief yet complete reminders of the essential information in a chapter.<\/p>

        Follow the \u2018MESSED\u2019 method<\/strong> when making notes:<\/p>