Who would have thought that one day, you could stay at home, Netflix and chill, and save the world? Well, this is the present reality where major global events from football matches to the Olympics have been postponed due to COVID-19. SEE examinations have also been postponed and like everything else, it will also resume when everything goes back to normal. Meanwhile, you can’t let this setback come in the way of getting into your first choice of +2 school. Be smart about how you spend your day and keep reviewing to keep your learning fresh in your memories.
The key to staying focused and getting targets accomplished is to develop a schedule. The aim of creating a study schedule is to ensure the right things done first and to liberate time for other activities.
1. Find out your learning style
Every individual is different and in fact, has different learning styles. Some people learn by listening, some learn visually and others learn by doing things. This time is an excellent opportunity to discover what kind of learner you are and how you can bring the best out of yourself. Experiment with different learning styles. For example, those who learn by listening, they readout notes loud. Visual learners use different colored pens to create notes. Those who learn by doing, they note while reading. Additionally, you might also want to explore if you learn better when you collaborate and talk about your ideas with someone or you prefer solitude. With an ample amount of time in our hands, it is the best time to discover what kind of learner you are and incorporate that in your study schedule.
2. Find out peak time
Some people are early risers while others are night owls. Some people love working out in the morning while some people think their body responds to the exercises best done before bed. Similarly, with learning, our mind activates at different times for different individuals. You can take this opportunity to find out the time when your brain is the most alert and ready to learn. Study the matter you find the most difficult when your brain is the most alert.
3. Make it accessible
One of the best tactics to stick to a Study schedule is to organize it. Your schedule should be placed in a visible location so that one can see and follow it every day. Make it fun. Use colors, stickers, sticky notes and try making a to-do list the very first thing in the morning to get started. Never assume that I know what’s happening next – always check the schedule.
4. Schedule activities of your interest
Let’s be honest, no matter how hard we try to avoid our favorite series, it is still present in some corners of our brain. Therefore, schedule your favorite and important activities making your plan realistic. It is also very important to get some physical activity done. Enjoy some vitamin-D and work on your long-lost hobbies. Talk to your old friends and catch on some gossip on what is going on in each other’s lives. Spend time with your family, talk to your neighbors, organize your closet and remember to have a sound sleep.
5. Stick to schedule
Consistency is the key. Sticking to a study plan is as important as creating it. It’s very tempting to go off a schedule and enjoy binge-watching your favorite series. Hence, you need to practice dedication to stick with the schedule you have created.
6. Set frequent breaks
Lastly, ensure to have schedule break time to refresh you and time for fun. Break your study period into 25 minutes chunk separated by five minutes breaks. These intervals are pomodoro and after four pomodoros, one has to take a long break of about 15- 20 minutes. The main idea behind the technique is that the timer instills a sense of urgency. If schedule contains only study and must-do tasks, either one will stop using schedule altogether, or will burn out. Study in chunks, don’t sit for long hours.
Benu Gautam is the Plus Two Coordinator of Premier International IB World School.
Redefining +2 experience
