Strategies for Success
Table of Contents
01
03
02
04
Organizational Tips/Resources
Research Tips/Resources
Exam Study Tips/Resources
Wellness Tips/Resources
01
Organizational Tips/Resources
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
SUN
MON
RETURN TO
IN CLASS LEARNING
TUE
EXAM START/END PERIOD
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
REMOTE LEARNING START/END PERIOD
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
23
28
15
13
31
JAN 5
6
7
11
12
14
9
10
8
22
18
19
21
16
17
20
29
25
26
24
27
Feb 1
2
30
Feb 4 PA DAY
3
Daily Schedule
Period 2 Class
Create a list of questions you have for your teacher if the material/assignment is unclear. Ask EARLY on!
Review Course Material in order to prepare for the Performance Task/Exam Expectations NOW.
TIP # 1
Period 5 Class
Period 1 Class
Period 3 Class/lunch
8:10 AM
9:35 AM
10:50 AM
12:10 PM
1:30 PM
Period 4 Class/lunch
TIP # 2
Organize Your Stuff!
Being organized makes everything else easier. It helps you get to work faster without wasting time looking for stuff.
Keep your assignments and class information organized by subject. Put them in binders, notebooks, or folders. If you find yourself stuffing loose papers in your bag or grabbing different notebooks for the same class, it's time to stop and reorganize!
Clean out your backpack regularly. Decide where to keep returned assignments and things you want to hold on to. Offload things you no longer need to carry around.
Organize Your Space.
You need a good workspace. Choose someplace quiet enough to focus.
It's best to work at a desk or table where you can spread out your work.
Don’t work in bed. You might fall asleep!
Have a place set aside for homework. That way, when you sit down, your mind knows you're there to work and can help you focus more quickly.
Great space: Time to learn!
Organize Your Time.
Use a planner or organization app to keep track of your schoolwork:
Weekly Schedule Plan Example
Prioritize due dates and heavily weighted assignments
TUE
Ensure all Course Assignments are done and submitted
SUN
WED
MON
THU
SAT
FRI
Work on Performance Tasks
Work on Performance Tasks
Performance Task is due
Review & ask questions for Exam
Study for Exams
Work on Performance Tasks
Work on Performance Tasks
Get Focused!
Avoid Distractions. When you multitask you're less focused. That means you're less likely to do well on that test. Park your devices and only check them after your work is done. Some people concentrate best when it's quiet. Others say they study best if they listen to background music. If you study with music on, make sure it isn't going to sidetrack you into singing the lyrics and dancing all over your room. If you find yourself reading the same page over and over, it's a clue that the music is a distraction, not a help.
Take Breaks. Taking a short break between assignments can help your mind stay fresh and focused. Get up from your desk, move, stretch, or walk around to clear your head. Allow your mind to absorb what you've just studied. Break time is when you can put on a song that makes you dance and sing! Just make sure you get back to your studies in a few minutes.
Refocus Yourself. If you find yourself getting distracted and thinking about other things, pull your attention back into study mode as soon as possible. Remind yourself that now it's time to stay on task.
Get It Done!
Stay focused as you do the final steps and details. Encourage yourself and check your completed work. Put your work into the right folder/binder and SUBMIT IT!!!
Double check that the online submission was successful. Make sure you meet the deadline by giving yourself time to spare to do just that. If something goes wrong, you want the time to be able to fix the issue BEFORE the deadline instead of hoping an extension can be granted and causing yourself unnecessary stress. It’s the responsible thing to do and shows respect for your teacher’s time too.
Checklist that can help you organize, focus, and get it done:
Priorities List Example
STEPS
Write a pending task here
Steps to get there
Check off when complete
Write here your important notes
Fill in the circles as each step is completed to reach your goal.
Write a pending task here
Write a pending task here
Write a pending task here
Write a pending task here
Write a pending task here
Write a pending task here
Make a To-Do List Example
What’s important:
Steps to get there:
Here you could describe your task
Here you could describe your task
Here you could describe your task
Here you could describe your process
Here you could describe your process
Here you could describe your process
CONSIDER WATCHING
How to be Organized for School, College or Life [The 6 Habits of Highly Organized People]
Taking Notes: Crash Course Study Skills #1
Planning & Organization: Crash Course Study Skills #4
Focus & Concentration: Crash Course Study Skills #5
Procrastination: Crash Course Study Skills #6
Papers & Essays: Crash Course Study Skills #9
Exercise: Crash Course Study Skills #10
APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES
These books are available at your library right now!
Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.
02
Research Tips/Resources
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Start broad, then dive into the specifics. Researching is a big task, so it can be overwhelming to know where to start—there’s nothing wrong with a basic internet search to get you started. Online resources like Google and Wikipedia, while not always accurate, are a great way to orient yourself in a topic, since they usually give a basic overview with a brief history and any key points.
1
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Learn how to recognize a quality source. Not every source is reliable, so it’s crucial that you can recognize the good sources from the not-so-good ones. To determine a reliable source, you’ll need to use your analytical skills and critical thinking, and ask yourself the following questions: Does this source agree with other sources I have found? Is the author an
expert in the field? Does the author’s point of view
have a conflict of interest regarding this topic?
2
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Verify information from several sources. The internet is a big place, and, for the most part, anyone can say whatever they want online—many websites don’t evaluate their content for factual accuracy. This means that there are plenty of unreliable resources out there, and even many that are outright incorrect. The best way to combat this is to make sure that whatever you find in your research, several different sources can verify that it is true. Rather than going off of one webpage, make sure that at least two other places say something similar.
3
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Be open to surprising answers. Good research is all about finding answers to your research questions—not necessarily as a way to verify what you already think you know. Solely looking for confirmation is a very limiting research strategy, since it involves picking and choosing what information to collect and prevents you from developing the most accurate understanding of the topic. When you conduct research, make sure to keep an open mind so that you can learn as deeply as possible.
4
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Stay organized. During the data collection process, you’ll be seeing a huge amount of information, from web pages to PDFs to videos. It’s vital that you keep all of this information organized in some way to prevent yourself from losing something or not being able to cite something properly. There are plenty of ways to keep your research project organized, but here are a few common ones: Bookmarks in your Internet browser, index cards, and an annotated bibliography that you keep updated as you go.
5
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Take advantage of library resources. If you still have questions about researching, don’t worry—there are plenty of places out there to help you out, even if you’re not a student doing academic or course-related research. In fact, many high school and university libraries offer resources not only for faculty members’ and students’ research but for the larger community. Be sure to check out library websites for research guides or access to specific databases.
6
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Plan for the long process ahead. Establish deadlines for yourself when it comes to data collection, analysis, and the actual writing phase. Aim to meet or exceed these deadlines.Set realistic goals for each session. Divide large projects into a set of smaller tasks. This practice helps prevent binge writing and results in a sense of accomplishment. Be task specific and plan ahead. Take a few minutes near the end of each session to gauge your progress and map out your next steps so you can easily pick up where you left off.
7
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Figure out who you are writing for. What are the expectations of your audience? Consider writing for readers with less background knowledge than your target audience. This should help improve your clarity.Write in a straightforward manner, avoiding clichés. Re-examine any uses of jargon, as they could be covering up unclear thought. Decide which of your findings are important and give them a prominent place. For the sake of clarity, be prepared to relegate some of your findings to the appendices.
8
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
If possible work with others to compile research together. They may have different skill sets that allow for new types of research to be considered that you may not know about. Talking about research findings together allows for meaningful learning and making real world connections. Share your writing with readers of various levels. Their input can prove illuminating. Always proofread a hard copy of your writing. If possible, work with a partner and read your prose out loud, punctuation and all. This can be done virtually too.
9
10 TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR RESEARCH SKILLS
Write when you’re fresh. You’re more likely to be productive when feeling energized and alert. Ensure you have had enough sleep. Have a snack too! Don’t multitask when researching. Know your own peak periods and work with them rather than against them. This will help with your creativity and allow you to make better critical connections between your research findings and applying them to the project itself.
10
CONSIDER REVIEWING
These sources help you find/evaluate accurate and relevant research productively
03
Exam Study Tips/Resources
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Give yourself enough time to study.
Make a study schedule that fits your way of studying and do not leave anything for the last minute. Write down how many exams you have, how many pages you have to learn, and the days you have left. Afterwards, organize your study habits accordingly.
1
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Make sure your study space is organized.
Make sure you have enough space on your desk to spread your textbooks/notes. Ensure your room is bright and your is chair comfortable. Remove distractions so you can focus. For some individuals, this may mean complete silence, while for others listening to music helps. Some of us need complete order to
focus, while others like to study in a more cluttered
environment. Make sure your study space is pleasant so
that you can fully concentrate.
2
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Use flow charts and diagrams
Visual aids can be especially helpful when revising study material. At the start of a topic, write down everything you already know about the subject. Closer to the exam, transform your revision notes in a diagram. Creating amd reviewing such visuals help with recall when taking the actual exam considerably.
3
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Practice on old exams
4
One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practice with an old version of previous exams. Also, an old test will help you see the format and formulation of the questions and it will be good for you to know what to expect but also as a worthy practice for measuring the time you need for the actual test.
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Explain your answers to others
With the help of your family and friends, you could excel on your exam. Explain them your reasoning for why you have answered a certain question in a certain way. This can be done virtually online too.
5
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Organize study groups with friends
Study groups can help you get the answers you need and finish tasks faster. Just make sure the group is focused on the subject and they are not easily distracted. Meet online in a Google Group to get it done.
6
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Take regular breaks
Regular breaks are needed for the brain to regain its focus. It is not the best tactic to study long hours because long-term retention of knowledge is almost impossible. The most important part of studying is to develop a routine that fits your study style.
7
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Snacking on healthy food is good for the brain
You should not eat unhealthy food while you are studying. Keep your body and brain fit by choosing natural, fresh and vitamins rich food that is good for you and would improve your concentration and memory.
8
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Plan the day of your exams
Check all the rules and requirements for the exam. Plan your route and the time it may take you to reach your destination – then add on some extra time. You do not want to arrive late and deal with even more anxiety.
9
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Drink plenty of water
While studying for exams and even during an exam, it is advisable to drink water. Remaining hydrated is vital and adds to your overall positive mood.
10
CONSIDER WATCHING
Final exam study routine ✨ study tips
How to Study Effectively for School or College [Top 6 Science-Based Study Skills]
How to Study for Exams [Even If You're Freaking Out at the Last Minute]
How to Memorize Fast and Easily
Reading Assignments: Crash Course Study Skills #2
Memory: Crash Course Study Skills #3
Studying for Exams: Crash Course Study Skills #7
Test Anxiety: Crash Course Study Skills #8
APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES
These books are available at your library right now!
Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.
04
Wellness Tips/Resources
School stressors
Well-Being Skills for Students
HDSB students provide quick and helpful well-being skills for students to support their mental health. See videos:
Regulating Difficult Emotions: A One-Minute Skill
Calming Your Body and Mind with Deep Breathing: A quick demonstration
Examining Unhelpful Thoughts: Learning one quick skill to balance your thinking
Mental Health and Well-Being Strategies and Community Supports
2SLGBTQI+ Tips for Supporting Yourself
Anxiety, Depression
Black Youth
Bullying, Cyberbullying
Climate Despair
Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders
First Nations, Indigenous, Metis, Inuit Youth
Grief, Bereavement and Loss
Helping Others
Islamic Youth
Muslim Youth
Self-Injury
Self-Injury Outreach and Support - coping, helping someone
Stress and Coping
Substance Use, Vaping
Well-Being Strategies Support Lines
Well-Being Strategies
How do I know if additional help is needed?
Everyone at one point or another feels worried about their mental health and wonders if they should see someone for help. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
Are my thoughts, feelings and behaviours:
Intense? These aren’t mild, everyday fluctuations. They’re stronger and more persistent thoughts, feelings and behaviours than the usual ups and downs of life. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm signal distress and you should seek help right away.
Long-lasting? They’re having a consistent or lingering presence over weeks, months or longer. Many professionals suggest that anything that’s lasted two weeks or longer can be cause for concern.
Having a big impact? They’re beginning to have negative consequences in one’s life, possibly interfering with someone’s ability to function and/or meet their everyday goals.
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or have made a plan or have attempted to die by suicide
- seek help from a mental health professional immediately
It is very common to feel awkward about asking for help and think, ‘is my problem too small?’ ‘Too big?’ You might be concerned about what others may think of you. You might even wonder where you can get help, and what help is available. It’s best to reach out and talk to someone. We all have mental health and talking about things is one of the ways we can take care of it! Asking for help can be awkward but you’ll probably feel relieved after you do. See No Problem Too Big or Too Small - Asking for Help for tips on how to start the conversation.
Where can I get help for my mental health?
There are friends, people at school, within your family and in the community who can help you.
It can feel awkward to ask for help. Here are ways to start a conversation. “I have a tough situation; it’s really bugging me… Can I talk to you about it?”
“I can’t seem to get past the feelings I’m having. I wanted to reach out before things got worse.”
“I’ve been feeling off lately, can I get your help?”
No Problem Too Big or Too Small is a resource that you is a quick reference on when, where, how and with whom you can reach out for help.
My Circle of Support The people, places, and things that support me when I need it. Safe and supportive people care about me and want to support my mental health and well-being. View My Circle of Support Tri-Fold brochure.
Counselling in the Community
Counselling in the Community
For Crisis Support
Black Youth
First Nations, Indigenous, Metis and Inuit Youth
Sexual Assault or Sex Trafficking
Children’s Aid Society
Muslim Youth
Group Topics:
· Identity and Racism
· Self-care and self-love in various cultures and YOU
· Building healthy boundaries
· Guilt culture & you
· What is the immigrant child complex
· Honouring yourself
· Mental health and wellness
· Sharing our lived experiences
Use Google Form: Student Therapeutic group registration form or HDSB Social Work Website
Consider participating in the Abbey Park 4 Week Wellness Challenge. These are great wellness activities to help you destress and revitalize yourself!
APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES
These books are available at your library right now!
Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.
APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES
These books are available at your library right now!
Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.
APHS LIBRARY RESOURCES
These books are available at your library right now!
Feel free to reserve them through the Abbey Park School Catalogue.
You can also use SORA the HDSB Online Collection for more resources.
These onlinebooks are available at on SORA right now!
THANKS FOR REVIEWING THIS GUIDE.
For further resources, contact the
APHS Library Staff
Ms. MacNeil or Ms. Almeida