Secrets of a top-scoring student... SECRET 2

LAY THE GROUNDWORK

Different Learning Styles

1. Visual - use of sight
• learn thru written language
• learn thru looking at things
• illustrate new concept thru graph/table
• mind-mapping
• drawing simple sketches to represent your thoughts
• highlight notes
2. Aural - learn through sound
• heavy preference for sound content
• need to hear in order to learn
• talk about the subject matter and listening to others talk about it
• group study/discussion
• study with music (as long as it's not too distracting)
3. Kinaesthetic - learn through movement
• constant need to move in order to think
• doodling and drawing in textbooks
• take stretch breaks
• make your notes using wide variety of materials
4. Deductive - master concepts thru logical reasoning and by thinking through the process
• cause and effect model
• use mindmaps to summarize concepts
• draw flow charts
• concept generalization technique

Create your workstation

• the study environment can make or break the best intentions and abilities
• conducive study environment
• level of distraction  - no distractions can take your mind off revision; a place where you can revise and meditate on concepts in silence
• noise level
• well-lit environment - relatively bright location
• where you can place your study table - face the wall where you can see your motivational quote
• study posture - posture you are comfortable with and in which you are able to concentrate
• study materials within reach
• keep your workstation tidy - be organized but avoid over-organization

How to overcome procrastination

1. build commitment - to do list
• break into smaller parts makes it easier for the students to manage and reduces the sentiment of being overwhelmed
2. reward yourself continually when you finish a task
• choose something that gives you simple pleasure
• the pleasure associated with the reward will help boost your mental well-being
3. learn to say "No" when you need to study
• prioritize the important tasks and try to delay the unessential work

• By starting on the tasks early, you will have more time to study for the subject. With more time, you will feel more relaxed and less stressed up, which strengthens your ability to prepare for difficult questions. This leads to a general improvement of the quality of work for the subject.
• Stamp out procrastination by getting down to work quickly, instead of waiting till the work piles up.

Secret 1: Adopt the right mindsets

Secret 2: Lay the groundwork

Secret 3: A blueprint for success in school

Secret 4: Manage your time

Secret 5: Prepare for your exams

Secret 6: Stay healthy

Source: Secrets of a Top-Scoring Student (by Linus Tham)