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What is studying?

Everyone studies in a different way
You need to find out what works best for you
Different subjects may require different styles of learning

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How to study effectively:

Studying isn’t meant to be a long and tedious task, if you work smarter not harder

Study Time NZ provides an in depth explanation of how to do this here: How to Study Smarter & Faster
and here: The study method you're forgetting about

Studying smarter and faster is all about figuring out which techniques help you to bring back concepts with little prompting

Through this method, by the time of your exam you should be able to recall most of your content with just the prompts that questions offer.

What works for others might not work for you!

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What is the question asking?

Example:

[2017 level 2 english paper, Q.4] Analyse how one or more important events represented a turning point for a character.

By constantly referring back to key points, you’ll create a better, clearer answer
Make sure to check quantities

This is important in literature subjects and sciences, but can also be helpful in maths

Example: [2018 level 2 algebra, 1e] A rectangular box has no lid. The length of the base is 60 cm. Its height is one quarter of the sum of its width and length. The total area of the base and the four sides of the box is 7400 cm2. Find the height of the box.

Figuring out where to begin answering a question can be difficult

This is where your highlighters come in handy!
Highlight the important details in each question, and use those details in your answer to stay on track.

HINT: look at past papers! The questions are very similar each year.

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But how do I answer the questions?

This will be different for each subject in each year level, so you must look at previous exam marking schedules to understand what examiners are looking for in your answers for each grade.
However, for most subjects, higher level answers want deeper exploration of concepts

Example from previous slide: Analyse how one or more important events represented a turning point for a character.

We’ve figured out which words are essential, so we now have to unpack them.
Analyse means in depth - we have to go beyond the basics of what the question is asking. What themes could we explore outside of the text? Rather than simply describing plot details or simple facts, we have to think deeper… ask ourselves, “how?” and “why?” rather than just “what?”
Lean into what the question is asking you in your answer (use it to your advantage!)

Here, the use of the word ‘represent’ is giving you an easy way to discuss abstract concepts that exist in our world outside of the text - how can one thing represent another?
An excellence answer must constantly refer back to the question!!

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Examples of things that work for some people:

I explain the key concepts to anyone else who will listen	I form a study group	I complete the previous exam papers
I use flashcards	I need to listen to music when I am studying	I use the resources available to me online
I need to have complete silence when I study	I use lots of colour	I go for a walk or run and think over my notes

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What is a good strategy:

Find out what I need to know and have I got everything I need to start my revision?
Organise my notes - what works for me?
Make a study plan - when are my exams? What to focus on when.
Stick to the plan.

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Avoid distractions

Your phone is okay for discussing notes with your friends, collaborating, emailing your teacher or looking on your Google classroom, but remember to stay on task!

Your notes probably aren't on TikTok…

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Try some of these:

Previous years examples of your exam on the NZQA website
Your subject Google Classroom
Khan Academy on youtube
Crash Course on youtube
Quizlet flashcards and quizzes
Study Time
Education Perfect

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Make it sustainable

50 minutes of hard work needs a 10-15 min break.
What is a good break for you? A walk, laughing, jumping on the trampoline?
Who is good for you to connect with? Your friends, someone you know in the same class, an understanding family member.
What will fuel you? Sleep, good food and water…. As opposed to sugar!

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Don’t freak out!!!

Your teachers are still at school and are on the end of an email - they all want you to pass well and are trying their best to get you there!

Many subjects offer tutorials days before the exams! Please make the most of these. Ask around.

Your dean is still at school and they would love to hear from you
Student support are still at school and the nurses, counsellors and careers advisors are still here for you

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Helpful learning links:

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Helpful numbers if you need more support

Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737

What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland

Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat

Samaritans - 0800 726 666

The Lowdown - Free text 5626