TYLER ARUMUGAM
THE JUNE EXAMS are over and everyone has learned a lot – subject content and valuable study tips. A summary of these and more might be very useful during tests next term and exams in November.
According to Mrs Ries, ‘Procrastination is the thief of time.’ Do not procrastinate. If you prolong the process of studying you are going to leave it for the last minute and you’re not going to get the marks you would like.
Mrs Potgieter feels that self care is extremely important. You need to get enough sleep, eat healthy – junk food does not have the nutrients that a strong mind and good memory need and drink lots of water. Make sure that there are no distractions where you study: learners playing around and a cell phone next to you are distractions!
Contrary to popular belief, teachers want learners to do well. Many teachers give ‘hints’ for the test or exam during lessons as well as closer to the test or exam. Listen carefully in class. Mrs Heunis says that not many learners realise how much of a paper is ‘given’ during class time.
If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough” says Albert Einstein and Mrs Jones seconds this. A summary is not just a repetition of what is written in your text book. Write them in your own words and shorten ideas, so that when your test comes all you have to do is look back at your notes.
Mrs Du Toit feels strongly about a set study program. Fail to plan, plan to fail. If you do not have a set study program and follow it; you are planning to fail. A goal without a plan is just a wish.
There is no better way to end your creative production…or in this case end your concentration and retention of knowledge…than studying with a cell phone next to you. Mrs Enslin says that your studies will be in vain if you are distracted every few minutes. Sometimes it is impossible to find an absolutely quiet spot, but try to reduce distractions as far as possible.
Finally, two tips from learners, themselves: Highlighters and colour pens are a must. Use them in your summaries to underline, circle and highlight, not only important facts, but also facts that you struggle to remember. Secondly, test yourself regularly after you have studied a section of the work.
Exams are stressful, but they are not impossible.
