Meet Percy Mangwedi, an academic tutor from Jinxi Tutoring who shares these study tips for matriculants in Fourways to apply in their current final examinations.
He writes:
Studying can be fun. We have come to times where learning and studying have become part of our daily routine. For school or work purposes we have to study. Therefore I will share my skills of effective studying. Methods below will become a breakthrough to some while others may not be catered to because we have our own learning styles. Methods below can help other learners towards effective learning.
1. Using the Pomondoro method
What this method implies is that an individual is urged to spend 30 minutes on reading or studying – distraction free with no cellphone on just a timer reminding an individual if the time is up. Then take a 10 minute break just exercising or relaxing to ease brain activity. After the break, then set another 30 minutes reading or studying, this will be continuously until whatever has to be achieved is completely done. It has been effective for me so I hope it works for you.
2. Drink plenty of liquids
Hard topics require a healthy brain. Therefore it is proven that water can also be one way of the brain receiving enough oxygen and can ease brain fatigue, so just have a bottle of water next to you so that you study effectively and your brain can keep track of what you are doing.
3. Study one subject at a time
Advice, especially to matric learners, is basically ensuring balance between understanding and cramming. Focusing on many subjects can cause frustration and confusion, leading to forced cramming, which may result in failing if a learner forgets just one word from everything. Focusing on one subject helps with forgetfulness, and enhances focus as the only subject that you are busy with is the only one you will be busy with. Less stress and frustration equals to better understanding and memorising of the content.
4. Make notes and summaries
Reading without taking notes as time goes on can be a ticking timebomb. Most people are able to conceptualise when they read what they have to; on the side they write down their own words to ease the information into their understanding. This is probably a good idea when having an examination sooner than expected. Summarising the chapter or topic you have been studying is a good way to make sure that you study but do not strain the brain. Most individuals prefer reading through thin paragraphs because they prefer to read and finish, whereas they may have even not understood what they have been studying.
5. Reward yourself
After a few breaks and continued reading and when you finished reading and writing and studying it’s probably a good time to reward yourself with a cup of fizzy drinks, cup of tea or even a slab of chocolate. Having something to reward yourself with ensures you focus hard. It works for a learner to have some kind of reward for long studying.
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