Study Tips

Before you open a textbook, you need to set the stage for success. Your study environment at home dictates how long you can stay focused.

• Find Your Space: It doesn’t matter where you study as long as it is quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free.

• Personalize Your Zone: Decorate your space with motivating quotes or pictures. If your environment makes you feel good, you're more likely to stay there.

• Know Your Clock: Everyone has a "peak" time. Figure out when you are most focused and use that time to for your hardest tasks.

• Notifications off: At home, use 'Do Not Disturb' Mode or 'Airplane Mode' on your phone and computer.

  • Close unnecessary browser tabs and games.

  • Pro-Tip: Use "Study Apps" or website blockers to physically prevent you from scrolling social media during study sessions.

  • Put your phone in a different room to where you study.

• Manage Your Circle: Let your family and friends know when you are in "study mode." Tell them how long you'll be busy so they know when they can hang out with you again.

For students in the middle years of high schol, building the right habits now will make Year 11 and Year 12 much easier. 

Setting Goals

Don't just study because you "have to." Study with a purpose:

• Long-term Goals: Think about the big picture such as the skills you want or the career paths that might interest you.

• Short-term Goals: These are your daily "wins." Break your big goals into small, realistic tasks. Every tick on your to-do list is a boost to your motivation.

The Healthy Student

• Fuel Your Brain: Healthy food isn't just a suggestion; it’s brain fuel. Eating well directly impacts your ability to concentrate.

• Prioritize Sleep: Resist the urge to stay up late "cramming." Your brain needs sleep to move what you learned into your long-term memory.

• The Power of the Break: If you feel stuck, walk away. Taking a short break from study allows your brain to absorb information and prevents burnout. One method is known as the Pomodoro Study Technique, which is explained in more detail below.

As you head into your final years of school, your workload increases. Success here isn't just about working harder; it’s about working smarter.

Master Your Schedule

Successful and organized people don't have better memories, they just have better systems.

• Use Tools: Use a calendar like Google Calander or a reminders app (on your school computer). Write important things down, so you dont forget them.

• The Weekly Breakdown: At the start of each week, list every task you need to complete. Break these into smaller daily tasks so the workload feels manageable.  Year 11 and 12 is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Set Time Limits: It is easy to spend three hours on a subject you like and ten minutes on one you don't. Assign a specific time block to each task and stick to it.

Strategic Balance

• Work Out Your Priorities: If you are running out of time, look at your "non-study" activities. You may need to temporarily limit your TV, social media or gaming time, particularly during peak assessment seasons.

• Rewards-Based Motivation: Don't cut out your social life entirely.  You should use it as a carrot. Tell yourself, "Once I finish this practice essay, I can go see my friends." This makes your relaxation time feel earned and guilt-free.

• Focus on Your Path: Remember that everyone learns differently. Don't compare your progress or methods to your peers. Focus on what works for you.

Click on the images to open the videos.  If it is a ClickView video then you may need to sign into ClickView (@schools.vic.edu.au) to watch it.

Scientific research suggests that the music you choose to listen to whilst studying can either be a powerful focus tool or a major distraction. According to researchers, the "secret sauce" for productivity is choosing tracks with few to no lyrics. Because our brains are hardwired to process language, lyrics often compete for the same mental resources that you need for studying.  Give these a try instead:

• Classical music: Timeless tracks proven to boost your focus using instruments such as piano and guitar.

• Lounge & Chill: Subtle soundscapes designed to fade into the background whilst you study.

• Deep Focus: Specifically engineered tracks to minimize external distractions allowing you to focus and study.

YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music offer hundreds of curated playlists within these categories. To get you started, two examples have been provided below.