Study skills and methods

Unit 1
Your preferred study style

It is likely that you are working harder in Grade 11 than ever before. There is
more homework, more to read, more to remember and more assignments and
projects to hand in. The stakes are also getting higher. You are in your second·
last year of school, just one year away from Grade 12, the completion of which
will lead to tertiary education or the workplace.

Activity 1
Use the following questions to guide your thinking about study methods:
1. Think about your study techniques. How do you study? How long before a
test or examination do you start studying?
2. Write down all your subjects and study methods for them. If they differ,
why is this?
3. Do you think your study methods are adequate?
4. What could you change about your study methods?

Studying effectively
Important things to consider:
• your notes and books must be complete
and up to date
• you must have a quiet place to study
without being interrupted
• have a well-structured study timetable
• get enough sleep
• eat enough healthy food
• get enough exercise
• have a balanced approach to study and
leisure activities.
 How learning takes place
Brainpower makes learning more effective
Your brain is made up of three parts.

Part of brain What this part Is How this makes learning

responsible for more effective

Reptilian Your basic survival and
(primitive) self-defence mechanisms
brain
Limbic Your social interactions,
(middle) brain health, immune and
hormone systems, your
sexuality and feelings
This part of the brain controls
your habits and rituals
This part of the brain controls
your state and attitude - you
need to have positive emotions
to learn effectively

Neo-cortex Your ability to think, This part of your brain enables

(thinking) reason, talk, remember you to learn, experiment and
brain and write be creative, using different
mental activities

The right and left brain

The right brain is attuned to feelings, imagination and
intonation, while the left brain is attuned to logic, reality and
vocabulary. The right brain controls the left side of the body,
while the left brain controls the right side of the body.

The right brain The left brain

Controls specific activities Controls specific activities
Rhythm Numbers
Creativity Ideas
Colour Sequences
Sound Time awareness
Imagination Logic
Pictures and symbols Languages
Daydreaming

However, you never use only one side of your brain. Everything you do involves
both sides. The more complicated the action, the more sections of your brain
that are involved. Studying is a very complicated activity, and you will be a more
effective student if you learn to use both sides of the brain at once.
Your preferred study styles
What is a study style?
A study style is a way of learning. Your preferred study style is the way in which
you approach tasks. Three studying styles that are often identified among
learners are: the auditory studying style, the visual studying style and the
tactile/kinaesthetic studying style.

Are you an auditory learner?

Auditory learners rely mostly on their sense of
hearing when learning and remembering. Do you
learn the best if the teacher emphasises things in
lessons during class discussion?

Do you make use of the following studying

techniques:
• study tapes
• study with a friend
• rhymes and song
• follow-up discussion
• talk to yourself in a mirror
• repeat facts out loud
If so, you are probably an auditory learner.

Are you a visual learner?

Visual learners learn best when information is presented in a written format or
in another visual format such as pictures or diagrams.

Do you make use of the following study

techniques:
• make visual summaries
• take detailed written notes from your
textbooks and in class
• use colour in your notes
• write key words or symbols in the
margin
• prefer that the teacher do a lot of
writing on the chalkboard, provide
clear
• handouts and make extensive use of
an overhead projector
If so, you are probably a visual learner.
Are you a tactile or kinaesthetic learner?
Tactile or kinaesthetic learners learn best in hands-on learning settings in which
they can physically manipulate something in order to learn about it. Do you use
the following study techniques:
• you prefer to have the actual object in your hands rather than a picture,
• verbal or written description
• walk and talk while studying
• act things out or demonstrate your understanding
• use a computer or laptop to type up your summary notes

If so, you probably are a tactile or kinaesthetic learner.

Activity
1. List the subjects that mainly involve the right brain.
2. List the subjects that mainly involve the left brain.
3. Identify your study style: Read through the list below and decide whether
an auditory, visual or tactile/kinaesthetic learner will prefer the method
described.
a. Talk to yourself in the mirror
b. Repeat facts out loud
c. Draw pictures
d. Illustrate
e. Talk or sing the facts
f. Use overhead projector
g. Use revision videos
h. Teach a friend
i. Use detailed written notes
j. Chew gum to improve your concentration
k. Make pictures in your head
 Approach a specific task

A study strategy refers to the way in which a person approaches his or her
studies or tasks, influenced by his or her learning style.

Type of strategy Ways or Ideas for approaching

Using mathematical or logical
intelligence
Using linguistic ability
Using intra personal ability
Using visual and spatial ability
Using interpersonal ability
Using bodily and physical
intelligence
tasks
Make a list of key points
Use a system to analyse what you are
learning
Make a flow chart or step-by-step
diagram
Rank the key points by comparing
them
Rewrite in your own words
Write down questions as you learn
Summarise ideas once you have read
a section
Explore the subjects from a personal
experience and
ask questions like: How does this
affect me?
Make comparisons to make learning
real
Colour-code your work
Create mind maps
Create visual images in your mind
Compare notes with your friends
Act out role play
Make flashcards with important
points

Activity 3
Explain to someone how you usually study for a test or examination.