Indramohan

P.R.I.S.M. Note-Taking Method: Boost Memory & Exam Performance with This Study Technique

by Indramohan | Dec 8, 2023 | Study skills

Boost Memory & Exam Performance with This Study Technique

The P.R.I.S.M. method is a structured approach to writing notes, focusing on key elements. Let’s apply the P.R.I.S.M. method to rewrite the provided information about creating effective study notes:

P – Purposeful Planning:
Before diving into note-taking, consider your learning style. Identify whether you are an auditory, visual, physical learner, or a combination of these. Tailor your note-taking format to suit your preferences. Whether it’s audio recordings, visual aids, physical activities, or a mix, planning according to your learning style enhances the effectiveness of your study notes.

R – Relevant Summarisation:
Summarise content systematically. Start by going through the syllabus chronologically, ensuring a solid foundation of background information. Focus on writing concise, personalised summaries in your own words. Use diagrams, flowcharts, or brief points to distill complex concepts. Prioritise harder topics and create both topic and module summaries. Keeping your summaries relevant ensures a clear and targeted study resource.

I – Interactive Note-Taking in Class:
Engage in pre-reading before class to familiarise yourself with upcoming concepts. During class, separate known information from new material. Utilise class time to answer questions and integrate class notes into your overall set of notes. Develop interactive note-taking techniques such as asking questions, connecting concepts, and highlighting key points. This method ensures that your class notes are dynamic and contribute effectively to your study materials.

S – Systematic Learning:
Learning your study notes goes beyond creating them. Schedule regular review sessions to reinforce your memory. Systematically practice recalling information at different intervals—short-term and long-term. Consistency is crucial for strengthening memory neurons. Acknowledge that studying can be challenging, and if you miss a session, don’t be too hard on yourself. Consistent, systematic effort is the key to mastering the content.

M – Multiple Formats:
Recognise the value of using multiple formats in note-taking. Whether it’s handwritten notes, typed documents, audio recordings, or visual aids, leverage a combination that suits your learning style. Experiment with different formats to find the most effective way to absorb and retain information. Combining formats enhances your understanding and memory, making your study notes more comprehensive.

By applying the P.R.I.S.M. method, you can create purposeful, relevant, interactive, systematic, and multi-format study notes that cater to your unique learning style and contribute to effective exam preparation.

Active Reading: The Secret to Faster Learning & Better Retention

by Indramohan | Aug 6, 2023 | Study skills

Active Reading: Cultivating Problem-Solving Skills for Students

In today’s fast-paced and complex world, problem-solving skills have become more critical than ever for students to thrive academically and succeed in their future careers. One effective method to enhance problem-solving abilities is through active reading. Active reading goes beyond merely absorbing information; it involves engaging with the material, analysing, questioning, and connecting ideas. In this blog post, we will explore how students can actively read to develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Set Clear Goals
Active reading starts with setting clear goals before diving into the text. Understand what you aim to achieve by reading the material. Are you looking to understand a concept, solve a specific problem, or expand your knowledge on a topic? Having a purpose in mind helps maintain focus and allows you to direct your efforts effectively while reading.

Preview the Material
Before delving into the entire text, take a moment to preview it. Skim through the headings, subheadings, illustrations, and summary paragraphs. This step provides an overview of the content and helps in forming an initial framework for understanding the material. It also aids in identifying potential problem areas or questions that might arise while reading.

Ask Questions and Make Predictions
Active readers engage with the material by asking questions and making predictions. As you read, pause to reflect on the information presented and inquire about the author’s perspective or the underlying principles. Try to anticipate answers to these questions and evaluate if your predictions align with the author’s conclusions. This practice fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills by challenging your understanding and promoting deeper analysis.

Take Notes and Annotate
While reading, take notes and annotate the text to capture important concepts, key insights, and any questions that come to mind. Develop your system of highlighting or underlining relevant information. Notetaking enhances memory retention and helps in organizing your thoughts, making it easier to recall and apply the learned knowledge when faced with problems later on.

Connect Ideas and Real-World Applications
Problem-solving skills often require the ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts and apply them in novel situations. As you read, make connections between different ideas presented in the material. Consider how these ideas relate to your previous knowledge and experiences. Furthermore, explore how the concepts can be applied in real-world scenarios, making the information more practical and relevant.

Discuss with Peers
Engaging in discussions with peers or educators is an excellent way to deepen your understanding and problem-solving skills. Share your interpretations of the material, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solving challenging problems together. Verbalizing your thoughts and listening to others’ perspectives can lead to new insights and novel approaches to solving problems.

Reflect and Review
After completing the reading, take some time to reflect on the key takeaways and the process of active reading itself. Review your notes and consider how the information can be applied in different contexts. Regularly revisiting the material can reinforce learning and help solidify your problem-solving skills over time.

Active reading is a powerful tool for students to develop problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and professional life. By setting clear goals, asking questions, taking notes, and engaging in discussions, students can enhance their critical thinking, analytical abilities, and creativity. Problem-solving is a valuable skill applicable to various disciplines, and active reading serves as an essential foundation to nurture these skills. So, the next time you pick up a book or an article, remember to actively read, and watch as your problem-solving abilities flourish. Happy reading and problem-solving!

The Power of Gratitude: How It Boosts Mental Health & Academic Success

by Indramohan | Jun 15, 2023 | Life Skills

What is Gratitude and Why Does It Matter?

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of academic pressure, extracurricular activities, and social obligations. Amidst this chaotic environment, it’s easy to overlook the power of gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of recognising and appreciating the good things in life, no matter how big or small. Practicing gratitude can bring about numerous benefits that can positively impact our lives. From enhancing mental well-being to fostering stronger relationships, gratitude is an essential quality that should be cultivated and nurtured. Research shows that practicing gratitude daily can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall happiness.

Why Practicing Gratitude Improves Learning & Performance

🔹 Reduces stress & anxiety – Helps students stay calm during exams
🔹 Boosts motivation – Increases positive mindset for studying
🔹 Enhances focus & memory – A grateful mind retains information better
🔹 Builds resilience – Helps students overcome academic challenges

4 Simple Gratitude Practices for Students

Keep a Gratitude Journal: Set aside a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for. This simple exercise helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
Example: “I’m grateful for my supportive teacher, a good study session, and a sunny morning.”
Why it works: Writing forces the brain to focus on the positive, reducing stress and improving mental clarity.
Express Appreciation: Take the time to express gratitude to those who have made a positive impact on your life. Write thank-you notes, have heartfelt conversations, or perform acts of kindness to show your appreciation.
Example: “Thanks for explaining that math problem—it really helped me understand!”
Why it works: Strengthens relationships and builds a supportive learning environment.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises such as meditation or deep breathing to cultivate awareness.
Example: Close your eyes and think, “I’m grateful for my progress, my teachers, and the chance to learn. Every challenge I face makes me stronger.”
Why it works: Improves mental clarity, focus, and relaxation, leading to better study performance.

4. Reflect on Learning Wins: At the end of each study session, note one thing you learned and why it’s valuable. Example: “Today, I finally understood trigonometric identities—it’ll help me in my VCE exam!”
Why it works: Reinforces learning through positive reinforcement.

Healthy diet

by Indramohan | Apr 8, 2023 | Health

As a student, you have a lot on your plate – assignments, exams, extracurricular activities, and social life. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget about what you’re eating. But did you know that what you eat can have a huge impact on your education?

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you focus better in class, improve your memory and concentration, and boost your energy levels. On the other hand, consuming junk food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks can leave you feeling sluggish, tired, and unmotivated.

So, what exactly constitutes a healthy diet? Here are some guidelines to follow:

Choose whole foods – Whole foods are foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. They are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre that your body needs to function at its best.

Limit processed foods – Processed foods are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium. These include packaged snacks, fast food, and sugary drinks. They may taste good, but they provide little nutritional value and can lead to health problems over time.

Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important for maintaining good health. It helps keep you hydrated, flushes out toxins from your body, and keeps your brain functioning properly.

Eat regular meals – Skipping meals can leave you feeling tired and irritable. It’s important to eat regular meals throughout the day to maintain steady blood sugar levels and keep your energy levels up.

Plan ahead – Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time can help you make healthier choices. Pack healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, and nuts to bring with you to school, and plan out your meals for the week to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.

Remember, eating a healthy diet is not just about maintaining a healthy weight – it’s about fueling your body and brain with the nutrients they need to perform at their best. So, next time you reach for that bag of chips or soda, think about how it might affect your education in the long run. Opt for healthier choices instead, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier, and more successful student life!

Confidence is the key to success!

by Indramohan | Apr 7, 2023 | Motivation

Confidence is a key ingredient for success, giving you the courage to take on challenges and strive for your goals. As a high school student, you are building the foundation for an incredible future. While self-assurance is essential, maintaining a balanced perspective will help you stay focused and continue growing. Here are some ways to cultivate confidence while staying on track for success:

Stay grounded and prepared: Believe in yourself, but also recognise that every achievement comes with effort and persistence. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. By staying prepared and aware of potential obstacles, you can navigate them with resilience and determination.
Seek feedback and learn from others: Surround yourself with supportive mentors, teachers, and peers who can provide valuable insights. Constructive feedback helps you refine your skills and expand your knowledge. Embrace guidance as a stepping stone to excellence and continuous improvement.
Focus on continuous learning: True confidence comes from a mindset of curiosity and growth. No matter how much you know, there is always more to explore. Stay open to new ideas, seek knowledge in unexpected places, and push yourself to keep learning—this will keep you ahead and ready for new opportunities.
Stay humble and grateful: Success is a journey, not a solo achievement. Appreciate the people who support and inspire you along the way. Recognising the contributions of others and staying humble allows you to build strong relationships and grow even further.
Maintain a Positive and Driven Mindset: A confident attitude combined with hard work and persistence leads to true success. Stay motivated, celebrate your progress, and embrace every step of your journey. With dedication and a positive mindset, you can achieve incredible things!

Keep believing in yourself, stay open to learning, and keep moving forward with determination!