Noteworthy News

Study methods

(Notes from lesson)

Why do we study?

Ask any child why they have to study, and their answer will most probably be, “To pass my test”.

Which is why once that test has been written, they usually can’t remember that work anymore. If a person has a short term goal their efforts to achieve that goal will also be short-sighted. And that is the problem that we have; our children cram their work before the test and then forget that work, so when they write the next test or exam they have to learn the work all over again instead of just revising the already learnt work. So what we actually want to achieve is the retention of the information into our long term memory, and then just refresh before the exams.

2.   We study hard now so that we can achieve our life’s dreams

There are 4 essential steps to studying effectively:

1.   SEE IT

2.   WRITE

3.   HEAR IT

4.   TEST IT!!!!  

1.   See it – Firstly put down your pen and read your entire passage or chapter. This is where all the reading exercises done at aftercare will help you. The faster your reading speed the faster you will be able to read your work and get through your chapter. (Read for recreation too, it is good exercise for your brain and eyes). During this reading phase you will be able to identify the main idea of the chapter. I.e. what is it about. Somewhere in your work you will have to find the 1 main sentence that encompasses your whole chapter. This sentence is your objective! This 1 sentence will summarise everything you need to know.

2.   Write it – Now you get a black/blue pen and a blank paper. Turn your page to landscape and write your main sentence or idea in the middle of your page in a bubble or square (whatever you want).

From this main idea you will be able to expand the rest of your chapter.

Each sub-heading will be a branch off of your main idea. Under the sub-headings you will have your key words and summaries. Remember it should consist of only key words and key phrases (you are not trying to re-write your textbook). Make or underline each sub-heading in a different colour. (Our brains like colour and variation – that’s how we remember things better)

If you are struggling with something for example, how to calculate area, write it on a post-it note and stick it on the mirror when you brush your teeth)

AREA = LENGTH X BREADTH

A = L X B

3.   Hear it – Once you have completed your summary (mind map), you must read your work out loud to yourself, repeat this at least 5 times, preferably 7 times.

4.   Test it – To check if you know your work, you can cover each branch idea, and see if you can list the points and information without looking at the notes. Also use other examples than what you have written down to illustrate that you understand the concept.

REPEAT AT LEAST 5 TIMES

80% - of the written text is general knowledge or nice to know information

20% - of the text are important facts – you must be able to identify the key facts, and summarise them

IDENTIFY 20% AND THEN DRAW YOUR MIND MAP

Friday 10 May 2013

Study Techniques Lesson

Most children nowadays don't actually know how to study. As parents (and teachers) we stress the importance of good grades, yet no-one has shown them how to do well. Today's scholars either don't study at all or spend hours trying to study or staring at their books. 

Next week Friday we will be discussing how to develop good study habits and how to study effectively. By taking a sample chapter from a selected subject, our speaker will illustrate to the pupils how to identify important concepts and commit them to memory. As well as how to study and revise for language subjects and practical subjects like maths and science.

The lesson will take the form of about an hour long lecture followed by a half-hour of group session.

The lesson is free to all attendees of The Sycamore Tree After-school program. Those who are not full-time attendees may make enquiries with Angie at sycamoretree@telkomsa.net

We will begin straight after lunch at 2:00, and should be done by 3:45.

We are truly excited about making a life-long impact on our children's academic futures.

Thank you

Angie