Higher Education
The importance of achieving good grades cannot be overstated, as these marks could shape your future educational and career paths. To navigate this crucial period, Tutor Doctor South Africa, a private online and home tutoring service, have compiled the ultimate study guide filled with invaluable tips to ensure that students are able to maximise their remaining study time.
First, study your matric exam timetable, then start planning …
Before the final examinations start, the Department of Education provides schools with an exam timetable. Once you’ ve received your timetable, make a copy and stick it somewhere prominent – on your bedroom wall or the door of your cupboard. With your exam timetable you can start planning your study schedule as it provides a clear picture of when you need to intensify revision and prepare for each subject.
Create a study schedule
This essential tool will help you manage your time efficiently. Draw up a study plan for each subject according to your exam timetable. It is important to stick to your schedule and allocate enough time to each subject. Also, remember to include breaks in between to avoid burnout.
Use an online management tool An online management tool can help you monitor your study progress and stay on schedule. There are various tools available, from free online planners to paid subscription-based apps. Choose one that suits your needs and use it to organise your study materials, create reminders, and track your progress.
Have all your materials ready Before you begin studying, you need to have all your materials ready. These include:
• textbooks for all your subjects
• all your notes
• past exam papers and memoranda
• notepads or laptop for taking notes
• stationery( pens, highlighters, pencils, etc.)
Having all your study materials ready will save you time and prevent any unnecessary stress during your study sessions.
Break up your study sessions As we mentioned earlier, studying for long periods of time
without taking breaks can lead to burnout. To avoid this, divide your study sessions into shorter periods of time and take regular short breaks. Here are two suggestions on how to do this:
• Study for 50 minutes and take a 10-minute break.
• Alternate between subjects to keep your mind fresh.
• Take longer breaks( 20-30 minutes) every few hours to recharge.
Another option is to use the Pomodoro method: Study with intense focus for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After four consecutive cycles, you can increase the break to 15-30 minutes. And then you start all over again.
Burnout during final exams is common among students and can impact performance, so remember to take regular breaks to relax, whichever method you follow. Studying for long hours without breaks is ultimately unproductive; it can lead to fatigue, lack of focus, and increased anxiety.
Download past papers Past examination papers are your best friend. These papers give you an idea of what to expect in your exams and help you practise answering questions in the correct format.
Download past papers from previous years and use them to test your knowledge and understanding of the material. www. futuresa. co. za 65