Study Skills for Secondary School Learners

01/06/2016 Wango and Gatere Study Skills for Secondary School Learners 1

 As a student, you may face various challenges in your
studies and school life. Despite these challenges, it is
important for you to come to terms with your own potential,
gifts and talents.
 Whatever your perceived level of intelligence, whether high
or low, you can excel in your studies and life.
 Doing well in your studies, tests and examinations involves
a systematic approach to studying.
 Studying is a process that takes time and conscious effort.
 Success in your studies requires passion and a commitment.
 Commitment to your studies is enhanced through a positive
attitude to schooling, your teachers and the subjects you
study.
Study Skills

Good Study habit = Good
Grades- A skill is a learned ability to carry out certain tasks
or activity successfully within a given period of time.
- Study skills are techniques for understanding the
content of the subjects that you study.
- You will use the techniques to read and understand,
remember and recall information.
- With time these skills become a habit – study habits.
- Reading is part of studying. From the reading you
carefully select essential information that you need
to learn and remember.
- The information is then retained in the memory to
recall and apply in tests and examinations.

Concentrating on your Studies:
Sitting Position and Posture
- Sit comfortably and lean forward,
with your arms on the desk.
- Do not bend your back too much
as this becomes strenuous and you
tend to get tired.
- Sit near the table or desk so that
you do not have to stretch your
arms or strain your eyes to see
what you are writing.
- Let your feet rest firmly on the
ground. This gives you additional
support and helps avoid a fall.

Sitting Position and Posture
- Use one hand to hold the writing tool
(pen, pencil or drawing pen), while the
other hand holds the book, test or
examination paper.
- Focus your eyes on the activity. In
class, eyes should move between what
you are actually writing and the
teacher. In a study group, focus on the
student presenting, your notes and
writing important points. In private
study, focus on the notes you are
reading and writing down important
points. In a test or examination, your
eyes move between the question paper
and where you are writing.

Holding the Pen
- Use a good pencil, pen or drawing
pen for writing or drawing.
- Hold the pen a short distance away
from the tip. This makes it possible
to shape letters or make a drawing.
- Hold the pen or pencil slightly
backwards so that you can easily
manipulate it.
- A short pen can strain you since you
are unable to hold. Do not use a pen
that is leaking ink as it may mess up
your writing or drawing.

Mind, Eye and Hand Coordination
You need to coordinate your brain, hands and eyes. This
coordination enables you to encode information in the memory.
The coordination assists you while listening to the teacher in class,
in your private study and in study groups as follows:
(a)In class, look and focus on the teacher. Focusing on the teacher
enables your brain to concentrate on what she or he is saying. Then,
write down and underline important points.
(b)In your private study, look at the notes. Once again, the eye and
mind are synchronised. Make brief notes as you read, or underline
important points.
(c)In a study group, look at the person speaking and listen to their
voice, explanation and examples. Outline the same points, draw the
map or diagram or note down illustrations in your notebook. If you
are the one speaking, you can use the fingers or numbers to
demonstrate (first, second, third)

Writing and Handwriting
- You write to read your notes, or for someone to read your answers
in a test or examination. Good handwriting enables organise ideas.
- Practice your own writing by being tidy. Write and draw properly,
shape letters clearly and carefully in ten (10) aspects:
(1) Ensure correct spelling of words.
(2) Ensure correct diagrams and illustrations.
(3) Ensure proper size and shape of letters.
(4) Skip a line and create enough space.
(5) Use punctuation marks including capital letters, comma,
question mark and full stop.
(6) Use headings and sub-headings.
(7) Make certain good paragraphs.
(8) Number your items correctly.
(9) Use accurate symbols.
(10)Write correct grammatical sentences.

Time and Timing
You must make good use of the time available
to you as a student. This includes:
(1)Time to attend class.
(2)Time to read.
(3)Time for extra-curricular activities.
(4)Time during examinations.
Time and Timing at School and
at home are very important

LISTENING AND
LEARNING IN CLASS
 Students who perform well in tests and exams
invest time in their studies. Studying involves
hard work.
 In class, your teachers instruct you in various
subjects. All these subjects are important.
 Learning is a three-stage process in which there
are certain things you should do:
- Before class;
- During class; and,
- After class.
Wango and Gatere Study Skills for Secondary School Learners01/06/2016 10

Before Class: Get Ready for Class
• Review your notes from the previous lesson.
• This helps you remember what you learnt and gets
you ready for the next class.
• Complete all homework, assignments and readings
before you come to class. Your teacher will expect
you to have done this. This is important because
you will use and build upon this information.
• Bring your note-taking materials with you to class.
This includes the correct note book, pen, pencil,
drawing materials for the subject.
• Carry an extra pen and pencil.

Attending Class – Good Study Habits
• You will learn a lot from the teacher in class.
• The teacher will talk about topics that you are
studying, explain the concepts, show the
formulas and provide examples.
• Information provided by the teacher is important.
• You must be able to take good written notes from
what your teachers say to assist in your revision.
• The teacher will also provide class activities.
• Ensure you take part in all class activities,
including class assignments and take-home
assignments.

Attending Class – Good Study Habits
Pay careful attention to specific items such as terms
(definitions, concepts), formulas, maps, diagrams and
experiments.

During Class: Taking Notes in Class
• It is important that you attend class.
• Concentrate on what the teacher is saying, drawing,
pointing, writing and giving as examples.
• Note important points in your notes. These notes
will be used for your revision.
• Write quickly so that you can include all the
important information in your notes. Do this by
concentrating and writing short sentences.
• Underline in your notes words or statements that
you are not sure of, or whose meaning is not clear to
you. This includes questions you may want to ask a
friend or teacher after the lesson.Wango and Gatere Study Skills for Secondary School Learners01/06/2016 14

During Class: Taking Notes in Class
• Keep your attention focused on what your
teacher is saying. Listen for statements and
signs that tell you that what your teacher is
about to say, or says, is important, significant,
key. For example, ‘The most important
point…’ and ‘Remember that . . .’, ‘note this
part of …’
• Your notes should include information that
your teacher repeats or writes on the board, or
presents in a diagram or chart.

After Class: Assignment and Revision
• Revise and rewrite your notes within 72 hours. This
is because the mind remembers in detail most of the
information. This also makes you complete your
notes by reading through them and changing any
words, adding information and checking the
symbols, diagrams, maps, formulas and terms.
• The shortened sentences can be turned into longer
and more meaningful sentences.
• During revision, you also try to answer various
questions you had when writing your notes in class.
• This is the time to make use of your textbook to
obtain more information and do your assignments.Wango and Gatere Study Skills for Secondary School Learners01/06/2016 16

• Check with other students to be sure you did not
leave out important information.
• If necessary, ask your
colleague for help
on any parts that you did
not understand clearly.
• This gives you the chance
to know that your friend
could also have missed
out and you can then ask your teacher.
After Class: Assignment and Revision

GOOD LISTENING IN
CLASS
Be Ready to Listen in Class. This is possible if:
1)You have completed all assignments and readings.
2)You have reviewed your notes from previous class.
3)You are emotionally ready for the teacher and the
subject.
4)Your attitude is positive. This is important because
you make a conscious choice to find the teacher and
topic useful and interesting.
5)You are committed to learning all that you can even if
the topic may be difficult.
6)You are disciplined and respectful.
7)You create interest in school and in all subjects.

Good Listening and
Attention in Class
You are must be attentive and maintain eye contact
with the activity and teacher.

Listening has Commitment if:
• You are Attentive.
• You maintain Eye Contact with the
teacher.
• You focus on what the teacher is saying.
• You follow the teacher’s pace.
• You note down important points to
enable you revise later.
• You do all assignments and exercises.

Listening is a commitment and is not possible if:
You are day dreaming.
Your mind is wandering to other things.
You are doing you own things.
Wango and Gatere Study Skills for Secondary School Learners
Listening
01/06/2016 21
It helps to sit in class
and to maintain eye
and mind contact
with your teacher.

Studying Mathematics is different
from studying other subjects:
Math is learned by practice (doing).
Each lesson builds on the previous
lesson.
It is important that you understand
the concepts taught in the previous
lesson.
Make constant review of key
concepts.
Follow directions.
Work neatly.
Show work and formulas.
Mathematics Lessons
01/06/2016 22

• Read and understand the question.
• Be careful with concepts and questions that present
difficulty.
• The brain works in patterns. For example, LCM,
Volume, quadratic equation.
• Note carefully the details that are provided and
what the question is asking you to do. This will help
you determine the right formula / steps to use.
• Apply the formula / steps correctly paying attention
to units and correct symbols.
• Always leave your answer with correct units.
Mathematics Lessons
01/06/2016 23

Science Lessons
01/06/2016 24
Parts of a microscope

Science Lessons
01/06/2016 25
- Understand the meaning of terms to be able to
define them with ease.
- Learn parts and their functions, for example,
parts of the brain and their functions.
- Understand laws to be able to apply them.
Also, apply the law as appropriate.
- Use proper formula (equation) and language
when responding to questions.
- Use correct terms with correct spelling.
- Pay careful attention to procedures and the
reasons for each step in the procedure.

Science Practical
01/06/2016 26
- Follow instructions.
- Carry out more practicals.
- Ensure correct procedure
and proper use of
apparatus.
- Take precautions in order
to make and record
accurate observations.
- State accurately the
observations made.
- Record data appropriately.

Effective Study: Memory through
Repetition
Memory is developed with use.
Study actively by classifying ideas
and information. This assists in
assimilation and memorizing.
Repetition is essential for memorizing
as many times as is necessary.
Therefore you must revise your notes.
Even when you are very intelligent,
make short notes. This is to enhance
your memory and assist you to recall
important information.
Allocate time for all subjects.

Study Place
• You need a good study place to
revise. Having a good reading
place is important to enable
good studying.
• Carry the necessary books and
supplies such as pens and
pencils, paper, and whatever
else you might need such as
drinking water.
• Turn off the cell phone, radio
and television to allow
concentration.

Study Place
Ensure the following:
Chair is comfortable. A bad chair can
cause discomfort or pain, while a chair
that is too comfortable might make you
feel sleepy. Select a chair in which you
can sit for considerable time while
maintaining your attention.
Adequate light. This allows you clearly
see what you are reading.
Healthy environment. Room should be
warm and comfortable.
Avoid interruptions. Study in a quiet
environment without interruptions.

Suggestions for Improved study
 General organization. Organize your activities including your
reading and personal well-being so that you are focused in
your studies. This helps you to avoid being distracted.
 Ensure the following:
• Time Table. A written schedule serves as a reminder and
increases your commitment to following it. Ensure you
have a personal Time Table.
• Time for Reading. Include time for:
(a) Personal study
(b) Group work
• Subject and topic. Identify the Subject and Topic you want
to study. Allocate time for all subjects.
Also, do not allow others to interrupt you unnecessarily.

Suggestions for Improved study
Shower. Taking a shower is refreshing. You can take
a shower early in the morning, during the day or in
the evening.
Sleep. You tend to retain more of what you study if
you get adequate sleep.
Time for reading. The mind tends to absorb more
when it is fresh, especially early in the morning.
Food. Eat enough food, with proper nutrients to
nourish the body.
Focus. Be focused on your studies and learn to
concentrate.

STUDY TIME …For how long
It is important to allocate definite
times to studying.
Find out the best time to study.
The best time to study is in the
morning when the mind is fresh.
This is because you have been
taking a rest.
Difficult topics are also studied
when your mind is fresh.
Concentrate for adequate time.
Take time to rest in between study
(study break).
01/06/2016 32

STUDY GROUPS
A study group is a group of
students who meet for
purposes of studying
together.
It is important to review
notes and thus revise with
your friends.
01/06/2016 33

STUDY GROUPS
Studying with friends is a really
fun way to study. This is because
it enables further insight. You
can ask each other questions and
you can assign each other topics
to read. You can also do different
assignments. That way, everyone
is responsible and disciplined
It also can be a lot more fun than
studying by yourself all the time.
01/06/2016 34

Tests and
Examinations
An important part of your study is
to do well in tests and finally in
the final examinations.
Remember:
(a) To do well in a test, you must
have good knowledge of the
information being tested.
(b) You must also have a strategy
for taking the test or exam.
(c) Read the instructions
carefully.
01/06/2016 35

Tests and Examinations:
Answering Questions
Read instructions and pay attention to the Question:
• Describe …
• Eleza maana ya …
• Andika sentensi ifuatayo …
• With the aid of a diagram, describe …
• Distinguish between …
• State the difference between …
• Explain (the advantages of) ..
• State the characteristics of ..
• Explain SIX reasons why ..
• Explain the following terms:
• Define the following terms:
• Explain why …

ACTION in Tests and
Examinations
 Arrive in TIME for examination
and test. This allows you to relax.
 Carry an extra Pen / Pencil.
 Take your seat or position.
 Instructions are very important
and you must carefully LISTEN
and READ instructions.
 Organize your TIME and WORK
 Neatly ordered work and writing
is easy to read.
.
01/06/2016 37
Concentrate on
your work and
avoid cheating.

• If you find difficult items early in the test, do
not panic. Move on to the next item.
• Answer the items you find easiest first. This is
important because:
It allows you to gain confidence.
The mind can take the time to remember the
other items.
There are answer items early in the test that
you may not know or find difficult.
Tests and
Examinations
01/06/2016 38

Tests and
Examinations
01/06/2016 39
• Plan your time well so that you give enough
attention to items that count for most points.
• Begin each question / problem on a new page
or in the designated space.
• Break down into parts items that are being
tested in a question. This is because it is more
manageable for you to answer.
• Remain neat and organized in your work.
• Remember to write your name, registration or
index number as required.

Wango, G. M. and Gatere, A. W. (2016). Study Skills for Secondary
School Learners. Nairobi: The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation.

Study Skills for Secondary School Learners

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