Studying MADE Simple
£on requestAbout this course
Studying on your own or ‘Independent Learning’ is important because it develops creativity and intellectual curiosity, alongside the ability to plan and prioritise. Independent learning is about students being active rather than passive learners. This workshop will encourage both your key stage 3 and 4 students to continue and master their learning at home and establish the best possible habits for independent study and revision.
Rationale
Self-study or Independent learning is when students set goals, monitor and evaluate their own academic development, encouraging them to become responsible for their own study and revision. Meyer and Faraday (2008) suggest that successful independent learning depends on both external and internal factors. External factors such as creating an enabling environment. Internal factors such as the skills required for memorisation, attention, prioritising and problem-solving. Studies suggest that students who take responsibility for their independent studies work to higher standards, are more motivated and have higher self-esteem than other children, leading to a higher level of self-efficacy in their exam performances. Students need to develop skills that help them further their own learning by using their own ideas to form opinions; solving problems and using a range of strategies in their learning.
With explicit teaching, pupils are more likely to use these strategies independently, enabling them to manage their own learning.
EEF Toolkit
Objectives
- To understand the importance of homework.
- To equip students with a range of effective study and memory techniques.
- To encourage students to commit to regular revision.
- To help students adopt positive studying habits and consequently, achieve better grades.
- To inform students how to manage a suitable environment for studying at home.
Skills taught and their Benefits
Establishing positive study habits include finding a quiet location to study, taking breaks, settings goals, and taking practice tests. Studying can be hard. The good news is that anybody can develop good study habits to make studying more effective, efficient, and enjoyable.
Prioritising is important when students have a lot of homework or revision to do. We introduce students to the ‘Eat the Frog’ principle, which encourages them to write out their list of tasks and decide upon which one is the most important and urgent.
The Memory Stack is an evolution of the memory story. In the memory stack, items are linked together through a story but with added actions and emphasis. Each item in the story should release the following piece of information, with each piece of information building upon the last; creating in effect, a ‘stack’ of concepts.
Environment can play an important role in helping a student to focus. Students will be encouraged to arrange their study zone to help them focus and concentrate, simulating exam conditions by working at a desk and sitting in a chair.
Managing distractions is an important skill for students to learn if they are going to make the most of their time. Distractions are a part of daily, modern life; this skill will be a lifelong benefit.
Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, your students will have:
- Understood the importance and benefits of homework and independent study.
- Developed effective strategies for revision planning, time management and positive studying habits and environments.
- Improved their memory skills and ability to prioritise.
- Gained confidence in their own abilities and potential.
- Increased motivation to commit to regular revision sessions.
- Developed a positive attitude towards studying, revision and exam preparation.
78% of students found that they “are now able to study well on my own.”
Survey from 1199 students conducted by Greater Manchester Higher on MADE Training.
Statutory Guidance, Curriculum and Frameworks
GATSBY Benchmarks: 3,6
NERUPI Framework: Practise
PSHE Core: Living in the wider world
- Studying MADE Simple contains strategies that are also featured in PH: Independent Learning
- If students are taking part in Studying MADE Simple they should not also take part PH: Independent Learning in the same school term
- Many schools that book Studying MADE Simple find that these further workshops work well in combination:The Lighthouse
- Recommended add-ons: All Power Hours, Parent Workshop, Staff 1hr CPD
Note to parents
The strategies within this course are designed to help your child plan, structure and conduct their revision in the most effective manner.
It is important to note that each child has individual strengths and preferences and will therefore benefit from a tailored and personalised approach to revision. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ magic rabbit foot for passing exams. There are, however, a range of techniques that have been proven to assist in increasing focused attention, understanding and recall. We encourage students to experiment with a variety of these techniques so they might develop an approach that works for them. A good time for trying out different revision methods is in the lead up to the mock exams. Help them to analyse which techniques work for them, so that when they are revising for their main exams – they know how to revise in a confident and effective manner.
Discuss revision with your child and encourage them to discuss it with their friends and siblings. Encourage your child to attend any additional revision sessions organised by the school; these will be focused on the key topics that will come up in the exam. Your child will also get the feeling that they’re not alone in this; all their friends are going through it too. Attend any parents’ evenings put on by the school. It’s useful to be reminded of things you might not have thought of or forgotten. Also, it’s a great time to hear from other parents and how they’re all experiencing similar issues or challenges.
We wish you all the best in supporting your child through the intensive and often stressful time leading up to exams. The act of you reading this text, infers that you have your child’s best interests in mind. I’m sure they will benefit massively from your help, support and encouragement.
Best,
Sander de Groot
Head of Training