Foundation to Study
Lesson One
"Think of your upcoming exams as a journey through a dense forest. To navigate this forest successfully, you'll need a well-drawn map, clear signposts, and a strategic plan. Today, we're going to be the creators of your academic adventure, creating that map and setting those signposts to help you find your way through the knowledge.
Welcome to the world of building a strong foundation for your studies!"
Before diving into revision, it's essential to have a structured plan. Students will learn how to organise their revision schedule, prioritise topics, and set specific revision goals for each subject. We review effective time management, culminating in the creation of personalised study schedules.
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Creating a Study Plan
• Set Clear Goals: Define specific goals for what you want to achieve in each study session.
• Prioritise Topics: Focus on high-priority topics that carry more weight in the exam.
• Time Blocking: Allocate dedicated study time for each subject or topic.
• Use a Planner or Study App: Utilise digital or physical planners to schedule study sessions and set reminders.
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Understanding What to Study
• Review the Syllabus: If your teacher provides a syllabus, carefully review it to understand the topics and concepts that will be covered in the test.
• Review Past Exams: If past exams are available, analyse them to identify question formats and topics that frequently appear.
Start Backwards
The first step in "Backward Chaining" involves creating a subject scale to evaluate your comfort level and knowledge of different subjects.
This process helps you prioritise your learning and work from what you know least to what you know most. Here's how to get started:
1. Identify Your Subjects:
Begin by brainstorming a list of the subjects or topics you want to assess.
2. Rate Your Subjects:
For each subject, rate your comfort level and knowledge. You can use a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least confident or knowledgeable and 10 being the most confident or knowledgeable. Also, consider whether you feel ready for action in that subject.
3. Work Backward:
Follow the principle of "backwards" by starting with the subjects you know the least about and working your way up to the subjects you are most confident in.
After completing this exercise, you will have created your subject scale, which can serve as a map for prioritising your learning and personal development efforts. This process will help you focus on improving your weakest areas and building a strong foundation for your most confident subjects. It's a quick and effective way to assess and plan your learning journey.
Foundation Skills
