Hey guys! I've got a few questions that have been on my mind
- Should I take all my notes myself or download some state ranker's notes - and where's the best place to get them?
- What's the best way to take notes - digitally or hand-written?
- In general, what are the most important habits in studying for the HSC?
Hi there! You seem recent to this website so welcome!
To answer your questions:
1. I recommend you take all your notes yourself and use external notes as a backup to add to your notes. However, if you are going to add other notes from someone else, verify that it is correct and then summarise it in your own words.
2. I find it best to take down notes by writing them down. Although typing your notes up digitally may seem quick and efficient, you're not giving your brain time to fully digest and understand the content that you're learning. With writing, it gives you a bit more of a time interval to take in all this new info and helps to store it in your brain!
3. I haven't taken the HSC yet as I am your average fellow preliminary student. From my experience though, the most important habits would be:
- Having a clean and tidy room - allows for easier accessibility of resources and you don't find yourself looking around the place for your textbook every day! Also builds on to my next point of distractions.
- Remove all distractions from your table... (yes, right now!) - The best way to study is to remove everything off your desk or in your room which you know will distract you. This could be any technology (unless you need your computer), another object, or perhaps the cat/dog which lies on your lap and doesn't give you a break (that's if you have a pet).
- Take a break every so often to give your mind a bit of a break. And I don't mind taking a break by using the computer, but maybe something more beneficial such as going outside and jogging which boosts your endorphins and can help maintain positive mental health.
Hope this helped and good luck!