Schools – Inspire Education

STUDY SKILLS GUIDE

Our Study Skills Guides are designed to empower students and parents/guardians with the latest evidence on, and the relevant application of, 'what works' in study, revision and exams. The scope of the Guide is curriculum-wide and the format adopts a holistic approach to the processes of learning, study and revision. In it, we communicate important scientific ideas and research in an accessible manner. The Guide is organised into four discrete sections, each of which can be read separately or cumulatively. Each section includes relevant exemplars and practical strategies. A video tutorial is also included.

Inside The Guide

REVISION CARDS

These are a unique resource to create notes in structured bite-sized chunks, accompanied by relevant questions and answers for review. Each card has A6 dimensions, larger than the standard flash card. This allows students to maximise the content of their notes by planning out the structure of individual cards as well as the connections between them. Each sheet of cards is portable and can be folded, making notes more digestible. Instructions are provided on how to get started and create effective notes and review/revision questions which are used for later retrieval.

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CORNELL NOTE-TAKING PAD

The Cornell note-taking system can be used during class, when reviewing information after class and as a revision aid. It is an internationally recognised model. This format requires each student to be mentally engaged in learning, uses a set of pre-assigned headings (Abbreviated Notes, Questions and Summary) and offers scope for dual coding. Using this system, each student will focus on and interact with the home text, make decisions about what is important and record only the information that is most relevant. Cornell pads include instructions on the inside cover and a short video tutorial is also available.

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A2 WALL PANNER

This Wall Planner is 420mm x 594mm in size. It has space for 49 revision days, excluding rest days, with up to four slots daily to allocate towards a revision topic/subject and the individual task. Students can also monitor their progress in the completion of tasks. Each planner includes a maximum of 196 revision slots and we recommend a twin pack for Christmas and Summer exams, or for mocks as well as end of year exams. Instructions are provided on how to map subjects/topics, create notes and complete retrieval practice.

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Q&A CARDS ORGANISER & FLASHCARD PACK

This compact revision pack is perfect for preparing notes and questions relating to taught material. The cards are unlined on one side (giving flexibility for note creation) and lined on the other side to list questions. The accompanying card organiser has 13 pockets, in expandable accordion-style. This resource is ideal for helping students organise their notes and questions into different subjects, and it works well for spaced practice. This is the evidence-based practice of increasing the intervals between review sessions.

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A3 STUDY MAPPING PAD

The A3 pad is ideal for organising subject knowledge. A Study Map structures information to aid higher order thinking and understanding. The creative visual element takes advantage of dual coding. The pad can also be used to map out an essay plan or draw a flow spray, spider diagram or sketch note. In our Study Skills Guide, we outline two principles for creating maps and we offer practical examples. In our Study Skills Guide, we outline two principles for creating study maps and we offer practical examples. Our Study Maps include instructions and illustrations on the inner cover. A short video tutorial is also available.

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