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Why?
Independent study is vital to being a successful Sixth Form student. As part of any Sixth Form timetable a third of your timetable is not in lessons. However, this time is filled by the completion of set tasks from your teachers and also independent revision.
How?
Typical Timetable
Typical Timetable
Below is an image of a typical timetable. From this you can see the following areas:
- Compulsory Tutor Time
- Lessons (Maths, Computing and Business in this example)
- Self-Support – This is directed time in the LRC
- Blank Spaces – This is for further independent study in areas of College
What to do in a Self-Support / Independent Learning Session
What to do in a Self-Support / Independent Learning Session
Using your time wisely is vital to ensure that you are keeping on top of work set and doing the necessary revision outside of lessons.
Prepare
Prepare
Prepare for it.
It is important to consider any self-support or blank space on your timetable as a lesson that needs to be filled.
At the start of each week slot in what you are going to do. Make this timebound.
Action
Action
Do it!
As soon as you are in your work space for the session sit down, get settled and get started. Use the time wisely.
Make sure you position yourself in a space when you will not get distracted. (See the other page on procrastination!)
Review
Review
Check it.
At the end of the session check what you have done.
Is it completed?
Does it need more time?
Will you need to review it?
Add this to your plan.
Student Views
Remember to use this time to support your revision. Also make sure that the time is spread fairly between all subjects.
Always use your study periods to do homework or any revision. You won’t be able to do it all at home so use them wisely.
Practice
Effort Activity: The 1 - 10 Scale
Effort Activity: The 1 - 10 Scale
Answer the following questions based on the scales. Once you have done this review the next part.
Look back at what work you have done in Year 11. Think about the level of effort you put into your study. Rate yourself out of 10.
Look back at what work you have done in Year 11. Think about the amount of independent study you completed in a week.
Effort
Effort
Making a judgement about effort levels is difficult. The numbers will mean different things to different people. Therefore, making comparisons can sometimes be difficult.
Remember...
High effort does not mean working all of the time. Balancing work and relaxation is important and makes you more efficient in the long
Independent Study
Independent Study
The hours about are gained by interviewing Sixth Form students. It is expected that 20 hours should be spent on independent study across a week. This is 4/5 hours per subject. If you want to hit the top grades this may extend to 30 hours a week.
Remember...
For students on three A Levels 10 hours are allocated in your timetable. Use them
Frogs and Bannisters
Frogs and Bannisters
Frogs...
Frogs...
This guidance is advice from two academics. The 'frogs' part comes from Brian Tracy who in "Eat the Frog" (2013) asks his reads to imagine tasks are frogs you have to eat. His advice follows "if you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first".
Why is this important?
Making sure you approach the challenging tasks first will ensure you have sufficient time to complete them. It will also make the other tasks easier to complete.
How to put this into practice...
Start with the hardest revision questions
Always start to recap on topics you find difficult
Make sure you keep on top of coursework deadlines.
Bannisters...
Bannisters...
This guidance comes from computer science professor Randy Pausch. "It doesn't matter how well you polish the underside of the bannister". In other words, don't worry about the unimportant details. But your efforts where the result will be greatest.
Why is this important?
Maximising effort needs to lead to results. You are limited on time therefore, every second counts.
How to put this into practice...
Make efficient notes - they don't need to be pretty.
Spend more time on testing yourself not just reviewing content.
Final Tips. The Nice things...
It is vital to include the good parts of your week in any study plan. Planning for your hobbies, seeing friends, spending time with family and stopping is an important part of having a balanced lifestyle. Using the layout below start to put together your priority list for your study plan in September.
What nice things need to be included?
What nice things need to be included?
Consider allocating a time.
Managing your Time
Managing your Time
How will you ensure every hour is used productively?
Reflect
Reflect
Reflect on the following statements. Highlight which needs most focus next year.
I plan my study effectively
I do not study late at night
I have a purposeful study space
I have a study schedule which is balanced
I have ways of relaxing
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