When Siena Jones created an Instagram page devoted to study tips she never imagined how it would change her world.
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She was looking for a way to keep herself motivated during her final year at school, and help her peers to do the same.
That was in January and now – four months on – the Hunter Valley Grammar School year 12 student is kicking goals across all of her subjects.
The move taught her one of the most important things about herself – what she needs to do to learn, and remember, information.
Usually at school we only get taught a specific way to study and normally that’s re-reading or using flash cards or something like that,
- she said.
“I struggled with that for many years, and I never found that any of that worked for me.
“I found that rewriting my notes over and over and looking at study tips on Youtube taught me about different ways to study.
“I condense everything I need to learn and I use a lot of abbreviations to help memorise it. By the time I get to the exam I can flesh it out and write it and it’s just stuck in my brain.”
This strategy, combined with her time management skills, has allowed her to complete assignments ahead of time and limit her stress levels.
“My grades have improved quite a lot as well, which is a bonus,” Siena said.
“There was an English assignment I just handed in and before we even got the notification for it I was doing all of the preparation for it.
I ended up getting an A- for it, when my previous grades were C- and C+. It’s a big jump because of knowing what to do and preparation.
“I feel much more in control now, I see a question pop up on an exam and I say okay, I know this, I have memorised this.”
Other students are also reaping the benefits and posting their thanks on her page, called StudyPicsTips.
“I post a photo of my notes and in the description box and the comments I write motivation tips, and advice.
“It’s very general tips like time management and staying motivated and how to study in different ways, and use study materials.”
So what are some of her tips?
Siena is a big believer in to do lists and prioritising what needs to be done. She also plans her week so she knows what has to be done, and when. She also gives herself a realistic amount of work to complete.
When it comes to assignments she breaks up the task into sections and works back from the due date. That way she is putting the final touches on the assignment a few days before she has to hand it in.
More tips: www.instagram.com/studypicstips/
