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Independent Study

Independent Study


To consolidate and extend their learning from classroom lessons, it is important that students make time to study independently at home, or in non-contact periods in school. The students who learn the most and achieve the best in assessments are those who work the hardest.

 

However, although the students are working hard it doesn’t mean they are studying well. Some techniques that students use to study are ineffective.

 

Ineffective study techniques

 

  • Reading notes again and again
  • Copying directly from a textbook
  • Re-writing notes

 

Research has shown that some study techniques are more effective than others. The most effective study techniques require students to work from memory.

 

Effective study techniques

 

The most effective study techniques involve Retrieval Practice:

 

  • Writing notes from memory
  • Self-quizzing from memory
  • Using flash cards
  • Practicing questions (past papers) from memory

 

To explain this further we have produced this booklet. In the booklet you will find information on how we learn, the reason why we forget (which is a vital process when learning something) and recommendations for how to study. We also explore the necessary role of sleep and the issues caused with excessive use of mobile phones.

 

Click here for booklet PDF.

 

Students

 

When preparing for an assessment and to consolidate what they have been learning in lessons, students should create a study timetable.

 

When creating the study timetable it is useful to use the following guidelines regarding study time:

An example study timetable and a blank copy available to download is linked below.

 

Click here for blank study timetable PDF.

 

Supporting independent study at home

 

Parent/carers play a key role in supporting independent study. From creating the conditions for study to getting involved by asking questions and reminding students of their study timetable.

 

To provide as much advice as possible for parents/carer we have compiled a list of useful things to read, watch or listen to below.

 

Read

 

Inner Drive specialise in supporting students to revise better and manage exam stress and anxiety. Here are a few recommended reads:

 

10 Ways to Revise Better: https://bit.ly/3dV9rRf

5 Ways to Maximise Revision Time: https://bit.ly/3Cq0kSl

Sleep – A Powerful Revision Technique: https://bit.ly/3dK8rQ5

9 Ways to Manage Revision Stress: https://bit.ly/3E0a7zm

How to Actually Use Retrieval Practice: https://bit.ly/3CdZtnA

Flashcards: what, when, how and where?: https://bit.ly/3SG0udg

 

The Learning Scientists are a group of Cognitive Psychologists who share with Teachers and Students ‘Six Strategies for Effective Learning’. Here is a recommended read:

 

Six Strategies for Effective Learning: https://bit.ly/3Ri7Cvh

 

 

Watch

 

The Learning Scientists are a group of Cognitive Psychologists who share with Teachers and Students ‘Six Strategies for Effective Learning’. Here are a few things to watch:

 

How to Study Effective for School: https://bit.ly/3E00yAt

Six Strategies for Effective Learning Videos: https://bit.ly/3Rg47Wh

 

 

Listen

 

The Study Buddy Podcast interviews expert guests to help you support your exam-facing teen. Here are a few recommended listens:

 

On Revision Techniques That Work: https://bit.ly/3BT5BjK

On Getting Started with a (Revision) Plan: https://bit.ly/3ftDRe5

On Nutrition and the Impact on Revision and Exam Performance: https://bit.ly/3SzzQCS

On Successful Habits and Study Skills: https://bit.ly/3RdydK8

 

The Becoming Educated Podcast interviews expert guests to support classroom teaching. Below are episodes that focus on independent study. Here are a few recommended listens:

 

What Are the Best Ways to Revise: https://spoti.fi/3LQ5M3Z

The Teaching Triangle (Parents-Students-Teacher): https://spoti.fi/3CfwVKb

 

If you find anything that would prove useful please send it to Darren.leslie@fife.gov.uk so that it can be added to this list.