study skills

Introduction

Learners in the South African Education system, as with the rest of the world, find themselves in one of the most challenging times of their lives due to the COVID – 19 epidemic and subsequent lock down restrictions. As schools slowly re open and our lives start to return to normal, time management and academic planning will become one of the greatest skills that learners, educators and parents will have to master. One of the biggest challenges that learners face from Gr 5 – Gr 12 is that they do not have adequate planning skills. This practical workshop teaches learners to work independently, develop study skills techniques and create a weekly planner, monthly study time table that correlates to their exam time table and a task priority system for projects and homework. Learners are unable to manage stress and the real potential of burnout from fatigue.

The system enables parents and educators to monitor progress and ensure that the full subject content has been thoroughly worked through and that sufficient revision has taken place.

The Presenter:

John Buswell has presented the Basic Study Skills and Planning Workshop to well over 30 000 learners at schools throughout South Africa over the last 5 years, including both the IEB as well as the NSC Syllabus. Each workshop is designed to incorporate age appropriate content suitable for each grade.

We invite parents to join their children at the workshop at no additional cost.

This is a practical and interactive workshop. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children so that there can be a common understanding of what needs to be done. So often, studying is something that causes a great deal of conflict in the home. By working together, parents and students can negotiate the best way forward. Students will leave the workshop with a personalized plan that can be implemented immediately.

WORKSHOP CONTENT

An introduction to the world of effective learning

• The iceberg of life – putting in the effort and reaping the rewards
• Understanding my academic personality
• How MY brain works
• Identifying and using your personal learning style

Effective planning strategies to ensure success

• How and where to study – my personal pad
• Time management skills – procrastination vs. over planning
• Effective planning for the rest of this year
• Creating a study plan and timetable
• Goal setting
• Monitoring your own learning advancement
• Habits of success

Study techniques

• Is there a perfect way to learn? Exploring different study techniques

• Active listening and note taking
• Summarizing your notes
• Memory and mind maps
• Strategies for effective reading
• The importance of associations and thinking while studying
• Basic learning styles (Visual and Auditory)

How to write a good test or exam paper

• Exam tips
• Understanding the questions
• Answering effectively
• Pacing yourself
• Finding those few additional marks

Planning for balance – self preservation

• Managing stress
• The symptoms of burnout and how to make the critical change
• The importance of good nutrition
• Your sleep habits
• Managing an online world