Summary
Highlights
The video starts with the creator quickly introducing the topic: study tips for the Leaving Cert. She acknowledges that everyone learns differently and aims to provide generalized advice that can be adapted to individual learning styles, emphasizing that not everyone benefits from traditional note-making.
The most important tip is to practice exam questions. The creator explains that exam questions often repeat with slight rephrasing, so learning the answers to past papers is highly effective. She suggests doing homework thoroughly by researching answers and then learning those specific answers, as this prepares students for the actual exam. This method is also good for last-minute cramming.
For subjects like Biology and Chemistry, learning definitions is crucial, as they account for approximately 20% of the exam every year. She advises investing time in memorizing them, especially if struggling with calculations or complex concepts. This provides a guaranteed portion of marks and can be a good time-saver if running short on study time.
For English, where many students run out of time, the creator suggests timing oneself during homework. She recommends planning an answer and then setting a timer for each paragraph or section (e.g., 5 minutes for an intro, 7 minutes for a body paragraph). This helps train the brain to write efficiently under pressure, making the real exam less daunting.
Homework is highlighted as a key component of studying. The creator distinguishes studying from merely opening a book and making notes, advocating for using homework to retain information. She then introduces 'active recall' (initially misnamed 'active learning') where, while reading, one recites definitions when keywords appear. This continuously improves long-term memory and saves effort later.
The 'blurting' technique, learned from another YouTuber, involves reading a topic, studying it, closing the book, and an hour later, writing down everything remembered on a blank sheet of paper. This method, though effortful, significantly benefits long-term memory by mimicking the recall process needed in an exam. The output doesn't need to be neat or tidy.
The creator reiterates the importance of studying smart and efficiently. She advises students not to let the Leaving Cert consume their mental well-being, as there are many routes and opportunities beyond the exams. It's never too late to start studying, and the guilt of procrastination should not prevent further effort. She expresses belief in her audience's ability to succeed.
The video concludes with a hopeful message for viewers. The creator announces a break from YouTube until mid-June to focus on her own Leaving Cert exams, promising new content in the summer. She encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and share the video with friends who might be stressed about their exams.