The clock is ticking for an estimated 1.1 million matrics from the class of 2020. The 2020 NSC final starts today and you will need a game plan.

2020 has been nothing short of wild. The global pandemic and the roller-coaster response to that have labelled 2020 as the most challenging year yet.

You have missed out on so much and have overcome difficulties that would test even the most experienced and hardened adults. We are so proud of you for that, but taking control right now is the most powerful approach. It’s time to assess your performance to date – possibly based on your preliminary exams if your school wrote them – to see how much ground you need to cover. The good news is that there are more additional resources than ever before to ensure success. 

According to Darren Denholm, South African memory champion and founder of Powerstudying, study success and failure does not only depend on ability. It largely depends on the extent to which learners are able to apply study methods and techniques.

Darren went from failing University to becoming the highest-ranked competitor at the World Memory Championships from Africa and the Southern Hemisphere for 6 years in a row. (2006-2011)

Follow this memory master’s useful tips to double your productivity.

Stay healthy

Start every day with a healthy breakfast, drink a multivitamin, hydrate and get enough sleep. Information is stored in your brain while you sleep. Spiritual and emotional wellbeing must be maintained.

Don’t get sidetracked

Be specific about what your goal is and think about it every day. Your brain is always awake and produces information about what you perceive to be important and what you think about most of the time. If you spend a lot of time on social media, your brain won’t function optimally.

Double your productivity

You will be more productive when only focussing on one or two things. Whether it is two sections of the same subject or two different subjects, e.g.  English in the morning and maths in the afternoon.

Take a break

Don’t study for long periods without regular breaks. Even studying for an hour is too long. Short focussed sessions of 20 or 30 minutes each, followed by a 5-minute break will give your brain a breather and give you a chance to think about what you have learnt.

Use flashcards

This is one of the most effective study methods. Write down the most important facts and review on a regular basis. Underline only the crux of the matter.

Keep an eye on the watch

Improve learning speed by setting time limits. You will be amazed at how much more productive your brain will be when it has a time limit to complete certain tasks. Aim at a specific goal for every session. Your brain is at its most creative when solving a problem.

Stick to the key facts

Don’t feel overwhelmed by volumes of work. Remember that we are much faster at remembering small chunks of information. Take a clean sheet of paper after every session and write down what you can remember.  Make notes on what you’ve remembered and what not.

Reflect

Take 20 or 30 minutes out of your day to reflect on the important facts that you have learnt throughout the day. Information will be lost within 24 hours if not reflected on.

Take a deep breath and get stuck in. You’ve got this.

Good luck!

Source: powerstudying.co.za, Huisgenoot/You magazine, news24.com, jacarandafm.com, iol.co.za 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.