These study strategies can help students maximise their time for no-stress study sessions. Image: AdobeStock by Creativa Images
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Doing well on exams is about more than innate intelligence or understanding of a subject – it&#8217;s about having the right strategy for both studying, and the exam itself. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></h2>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Having the right study strategy means students can efficiently maximise their knowledge and understanding of a subject. With studying, what works for one student may be different from the next, but fortunately there are a few proven methods your students can try out. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Explicitly teaching these study methods, and as the exam approaches, exam strategies, can help students achieve to their highest potential. Below are some study methods that students can employ in the lead up to externals. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/latest-print-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Read the latest print edition of <em>School News</em> online HERE.</b></a></p>
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<li>
<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto"> SQ3R</span></b></h4>
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</ol>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The SQ3R method can be used by students when reviewing textbook or written material. SQ3R stands for the five steps of reading comprehension, which are:</span><span data-ccp-props="{";335559685";:0}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Survey</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> – skim the section that is being reviewed and note important features like headings, subheadings, images, diagrams and charts. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Question</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> – using these notes, write questions. For example: what is this section about? What are some key facts and/or figures? What does this diagram/chart show? </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Read </span></b><span data-contrast="auto">– the section(s) and look for answers to the above questions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Recite </span></b><span data-contrast="auto">– summarise in your own words, either out loud or on paper, the section(s) you just read. Focus on identifying and recalling major points and answering the questions. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="4" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Review </span></b><span data-contrast="auto">– reform the questions into quiz material and review any portions of weak understanding. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ol start="2">
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<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto"> Retrieval Practise</span></b></h4>
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</ol>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Recall is the most important step for learning and involves remembering important information at later times. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This could look like: </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:1080,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Using flashcards </span></b><span data-contrast="auto">– write down the answer or try saying it aloud before flipping over the card to check. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:1080,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Practise exams </span></b><span data-contrast="auto">– recreating the exam environment engages active recall and also highlights weak areas to revise.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:1080,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Q&;A </span></b><span data-contrast="auto">– Write down your own questions and come up with answers for them before checking against study material. This can be done in a group. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<figure id="attachment_27873" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27873" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img class="size-medium wp-image-27873" src="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/AdobeStock_105629920-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-27873" class="wp-caption-text">Q&;A style retrieval practise is a study technique that can be done in a group. Photo: AYAphotos by AdobeStock</figcaption></figure>
<h4>3. Spaced Practise</h4>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Studying over an extended period improves information recall. Spaced out studying reinforces neural pathways and connections that allow students to easily retrieve knowledge. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Students can follow this schedule:</span><span data-ccp-props="{";134233117";:false,";134233118";:false,";201341983";:0,";335551550";:1,";335551620";:1,";335559685";:0,";335559737";:0,";335559738";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:279}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Days 1 – 3: </span></b><span data-contrast="auto">Learn and review material daily. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">One week</span></b><span data-contrast="auto">: review </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="9" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Two weeks:</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> review</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This method requires students to create a study schedule and effectively manage their time. Teachers might wish to hold a scheduling session for their students. This might look like printing students a calendar to plan their study sessions or hosting a time for students to input study plans into digital calendars or physical planners. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto"> Feynman Technique</span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In this exercise, students break down a concept into parts and explain it as if they were teaching the concept to someone else. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Students can review their notes, then put them away and try explaining the concept out loud or on paper. They can then review this explanation to identify gaps. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<figure id="attachment_9453" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-9453" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9453" src="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AdobeStock_167771633-300x169.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="169" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-9453" class="wp-caption-text">Students can explain the concept aloud as if teaching to another person. Image: AdobeStock by Gorodenkoff</figcaption></figure>
<h4>5. Pomodoro Technique</h4>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This technique involves timing study sessions interspersed with breaks. It can improve study focus and utilises the reward pathway. Students can alter the timings to suit their needs. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">One common timing breakdown is:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Study for 25 minutes </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Have a break for 5 minutes </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Repeat 3-4 times. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">A longer break of 15 – 30 minutes. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ol start="6">
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<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto"> The Leitner System</span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This method is useful for memorising large quantities of material when needed. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The student first creates flashcards. One side is a question or a cue, and the other side is the answer. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Make boxes for the flashcards, organising them by difficulty. E.g: easy, medium, hard. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Review flashcards. If the student answers a card correctly, the card moves down a difficulty. If they answer incorrectly, the card moves up one difficulty. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The student should gradually increase the difficulty of the cards they review. Once they can answer everything in the “easiest” box correctly, they should move onto the next. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Repeat. The student should review the cards in the “easy” boxes less often as they progress. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is a method of “spaced progression” that improves retention. Students can also find apps that employ the Leitner System, such as Anki. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ol start="7">
<li>
<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto"> Cornell note-taking system</span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is a format of note taking that can help students keep track of ideas. This method is particularly useful if students are reviewing video content or recorded classes, and senior students can bring this method into future study at university. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">While reviewing the content (video, class, etc.) draw a large margin to the left side of the page. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">In the right column, note the main points of the topic at hand and examples. Leave spaces between the notes. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">After reviewing the content, use the left-hand column to summarise the key ideas and facts, linking content from the right column. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Fill in any gaps from the right-hand column and clarify information.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Add examples or further explanations on the right, logging key words or page numbers from textbooks or supplementary material on the left-side.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Review by using the left-side as a “contents” or prompt column to target important information. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="ï·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="11" data-list-defn-props="{";335552541";:1,";335559685";:720,";335559991";:360,";469769226";:";Symbol";,";469769242";:[8226],";469777803";:";left";,";469777804";:";ï·";,";469777815";:";hybridMultilevel";}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">At the bottom of each page, leave a horizontal summary space to condense information. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">These are just a few common study methods students can try. There are countless other strategies available on the internet, and students can find something that works for them on a given topic.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">With these strategies, students can feel confident they are effectively retaining the required information ahead of exams. Kia kaha e te whānau!</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/latest-print-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Term 4 edition of School News is out now. Read it HERE.</a></strong></p>
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