Matric exams – handy study tips to give you a helping hand

With the final Matric exams looming, pressure is increasing and stress levels rocketing. Many Matriculants worldwide find this time daunting and dreadful, but this need not be the case. Below are a few tips that can be used to combat exam stress and help develop good study habits.
Time management:
Time management is essential – one needs to plan to study daily and consistently. This can be done by:
* Drawing up a study timetable: this will enable you to plan what subjects you will be studying for the day, and it allows you to give equal attention to all subjects, without cramming.
* While many believe sitting for long hours and studying non-stop is the ideal, studies show that taking regular ten-minute breaks is effective as it allow the brain to regenerate and relax.
* Study in one hour blocks: this means studying for 50 minutes and taking a break for 10 minutes. This allows the brain to get used to the idea of studying, while at the same time allowing the information to remain fresh in your mind. This is ideal for memorising summaries and short notes – however, more complex topics will most likely require more time.
* Studying should form part of your daily routine, hence selecting a fixed study time will be of great help.
* Break up topics into manageable sections and allocate time accordingly.
Knowing HOW to study can be just as helpful as knowing WHEN and WHAT to study; in order for this to be achieved, one needs to decipher the following:
* Do you work better at night, noon, or mornings?
* Where do you like to work – school, home or the library even?
* Where can you work undisturbed?
* Do you work well with others?
* How do you best remember information?
Once you are clear on what best suits you, you can vary the study methods:
Creative studying: Study actively and visually by writing, drawing, summarising, chanting or teaching your study buddy.
Memorising: Be selective. Make your own notes, focusing on what is most important. Associate, visualise and recite: Associations can be made by linking new information with what you already know. For example, in Business Studies the forms of ownership are perceived to be common knowledge; however, their link to social responsibility is new information – by linking the two one forms an association.
Visualisation: Liven up boring notes by mind-mapping, using cartoons, pictures, labels, word associations, creating acronyms and grouping or categorising information into logical clusters.
Memory strategies require practice and discipline, and can be achieved by:
* Paying attention in class and making sure you understand key concepts and content.
* Making effective notes.
* Using mnemonics.
* Generating examples and using visual imagery.