Planning for Success
If you want to do your best at school, a little planning is going to go a long way. Do you know what type of learner you are, and what influences how well you take in new information and ideas? Have you thought about how important your physical and emotional health is? Do you know how and where to find homework help? Read more below to learn how all of these things can help you succeed at school.
Settling into School
About to start high school, or even just a new school? This video will give you ideas that will hopefully help you settle in that much faster. (© State of New South Wales through the Department of Education and Training')
Know Thyself - Playing to your Learning Style
What type of learner are you? Do you label yourself as 'no good' at a particular subject? Did you know that simple things, like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and having time for fun and relaxation are just as important as memorising your class notes, when it comes to doing well in school. To begin, let's have a look at the different ways in which people learn.
Looking After Yourself
While it is useful to have a good understanding of what type of learner you are, it is even more important to look after your physical and emotional health, if you are going to do your best. Sleep, healthy food and exercise all impact your ability to learn.
In A Guide to Learning Independently (Marshall and Rowland, pp.3-7, 2006) offer some useful suggestions:
In A Guide to Learning Independently (Marshall and Rowland, pp.3-7, 2006) offer some useful suggestions:
- Sleep: Get enough sleep. Avoid activities that are going to stimulate your brain before going to bed, and avoid foods and drinks with caffeine in them.
- Body Rhythms: Determine whether you are a 'morning person' or a 'night person' and work your study timetable around the times you are going to be most alert.
- Diet: Maintain a healthy, balanced diet including fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates and protein. A healthy breakfast will help you concentrate during the day, while a light evening meal will make evening homework easier, much more than a heavy, fatty meal.
- Exercise: Regular exercise is also very important. Even something as simple as a walk with a friend will have many benefits including relaxation, better sleep, and improved oxygen to the brain - all things that will help you concentrate better.
- Relaxation: Try not to stress out too much. Learn some simple relaxation exercises, try some Yoga, treat yourself to a massage, get some exercise - whatever you find works for you. If you find you are sitting at a desk for long periods of time, try rolling your shoulders to ease muscle tension, and remember to look away from the computer screen regularly, to refocus your eyes. Additional links below will provide you with some specific relaxation techniques and strategies.
Using Library Services
Here's a tip. Use your library. Most schools and towns, suburbs or cities have libraries with varying levels of services. What they have in common, though, is that they are staffed by experts in information management. Or, in laymen's terms, people with the expertise to help you track down the resources you need.
If it has been a while since you stepped inside a library, you might be surprised to find what you can actually discover there. Libraries are not just about books: most will have computing services, wi-fi, audio-visual resources, magazines, newspapers and music. Many will provide access to online databases which allow you to browse full-text journal articles, particularly useful at HSC level. Even smaller libraries can generally provide advice on how to access the resources of larger metropolitan libraries through inter-library loans. In addition, many libraries organise student-specific events, with guest speakers and relevant resources to help your studies.
And did I mention that most library services are free for members?
You can also find numerous resources of an academic quality online. See below for links for some suggested sites.
If it has been a while since you stepped inside a library, you might be surprised to find what you can actually discover there. Libraries are not just about books: most will have computing services, wi-fi, audio-visual resources, magazines, newspapers and music. Many will provide access to online databases which allow you to browse full-text journal articles, particularly useful at HSC level. Even smaller libraries can generally provide advice on how to access the resources of larger metropolitan libraries through inter-library loans. In addition, many libraries organise student-specific events, with guest speakers and relevant resources to help your studies.
And did I mention that most library services are free for members?
You can also find numerous resources of an academic quality online. See below for links for some suggested sites.
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