HOW TO PREPARE TO DO WELL IN TERM 2 (Study tips)

Summary

In this video, Andy, a UCT medical student, reflects on how quickly the first term passed and shares tips for preparing for the second term. She emphasizes assessing what worked and what didn’t in term one, including study habits, resources, and distractions. Andy suggests making adjustments to study timetables, seeking out additional resources like tutors or mentors, and completing any outstanding assignments. She encourages setting clear goals for term two, understanding the school calendar, and planning according to the teaching schedule. Overall, the video offers practical advice for students aiming to improve their academic performance and avoid past mistakes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reflect on Term 1: Assess what worked and what didn't to avoid repeating mistakes in Term 2.
• 😀 Set a Study Timetable: If you didn’t have one in Term 1, make sure to set one up for Term 2 for better organization.
• 😀 Acquire Necessary Resources: Check if you lacked any essential study materials or support, and make sure to get them for Term 2.
• 😀 Eliminate Distractions: Identify what caused procrastination in Term 1, like social media or excessive extracurricular activities, and limit them for better focus.
• 😀 Review Academic Performance: Reflect on subjects or topics that caused difficulties and make time to revise them before Term 2.
• 😀 Complete Past Papers: Go over any past papers from Term 1 that you missed to ensure you're fully prepared for Term 2 exams.
• 😀 Set SMART Goals for Term 2: Define clear, achievable goals for your grades and work towards them systematically.
• 😀 Understand the School Calendar: Familiarize yourself with the number of weeks in Term 2 and the exact dates for your exams to plan your study time better.
• 😀 Know the Curriculum: Be aware of the topics you'll cover in Term 2 and prepare ahead by reviewing the syllabus or past papers.
• 😀 Complete Incomplete Assignments: Make sure all Term 1 assignments and projects are finished before Term 2 begins, so you’re not overwhelmed.
• 😀 Stay Organized: Keep track of your study schedule, teaching schedule, and personal goals to stay ahead and minimize stress.

Q & A

Why is it important to assess the first term before moving into the second term?

Assessing the first term helps identify what worked and what didn't in terms of study habits, time management, and resources. This self-assessment enables students to eliminate ineffective habits and focus on improving what was beneficial, thus better preparing for the second term.

What are some common mistakes students make in the first term, according to the video?

Common mistakes include not having a proper study timetable, lacking necessary study resources, being distracted by social media or extracurricular activities, and procrastinating on assignments or exams.

What should students do if their study timetable didn't work during the first term?

Students should reassess their study timetable, figure out what didn't work, and adjust it accordingly. The video also suggests watching a tutorial on how to create an effective study timetable.

How can students improve their academic performance for the second term?

Students can improve by reviewing past materials, completing assignments from the first term, and focusing on past papers. Reassessing weak subjects or topics and going through them again is crucial to avoid being caught off guard in the second term.

What role do past papers play in preparing for exams?

Past papers help students familiarize themselves with the format of the exam, identify areas of weakness, and reinforce their understanding of the content. It's important to complete past papers from the first term before moving on to the second term's material.

What should students do if they have incomplete assignments from the first term?

Students should make completing their first-term assignments a priority before starting the second term. This prevents falling behind and ensures that all previous work is finished before focusing on new content.

Why is setting goals before the second term crucial for academic success?

Setting clear, specific goals allows students to stay focused, track their progress, and align their efforts with their desired outcomes. It helps define what they want to achieve and provides motivation throughout the term.

How does knowing the school calendar help students prepare for the second term?

Understanding the school calendar allows students to plan their study schedule effectively, knowing how much time they have before exams. It helps them allocate sufficient time to each subject and avoid last-minute cramming.

What is the significance of understanding the teaching schedule for term 2?

Knowing the teaching schedule enables students to anticipate which topics will be covered each week. This helps in planning their study timetable, ensuring they stay on top of their work and remain proactive rather than reactive.

What is a SMART goal, and why is it important for students to set them?

A SMART goal is a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goal. Setting SMART goals helps students clarify their objectives, stay motivated, and track their progress, ultimately increasing their chances of success.