⭐Ranking LEAVING CERT Study Methods 📚

The video begins by introducing a five-tier ranking system for study methods: 'Every student should do this' (5 stars), 'Great, but only for certain subjects' (4 stars), 'Controversial but interesting' (3 stars), 'You can find better use for your time' (2 stars), and 'Why though?' (1 star). Gabrielle clarifies that her personal opinions shouldn't deter anyone from methods that work for them.

Flashcards are rated four stars, deemed great but only for certain subjects. While highly effective for definitions and dates in subjects like Biology or History, their utility is limited for others. The speaker recommends using spaced repetition alongside flashcards for maximum effectiveness and notes that the act of creating them is a valuable study process.

Using expensive stationery is rated two stars. While it can be motivating for some to use aesthetically pleasing study materials, it's generally considered unnecessary. The video emphasizes that the act of studying is more important than the tools used, sharing a personal anecdote about wasting time on making notes pretty rather than learning the content.

Using past exam papers and the Pomodoro Technique are both given five stars, categorized as methods 'Every student should do this.' Past exam papers are crucial for understanding question patterns and examiners' expectations. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break) is praised for maintaining focus, preventing burnout, and promoting consistent study habits.

Highlighting notes is rated two stars, as it doesn't actively help information stick in your mind. However, it can be useful for easily locating specific information (like dates or quotes) in long texts for subjects like History or English.

Rewriting notes is given three stars, classified as 'Controversial but interesting.' It can be beneficial early in the year for organizing notes, but becomes less effective closer to exams when testing oneself is more productive. A suggested method for effective rewriting involves attempting to recall from memory first and then adding forgotten details.

Reviewing past class tests is rated four stars, offering clear insights into strengths and weaknesses. Listening to study-related podcasts is a five-star method, considered an excellent passive and effective way to learn while doing other activities, especially for subjects like English with complex topics.

Reading H1 sample answers is rated four stars. This method is highly beneficial for subjects requiring essays, like English or foreign languages, as it helps students understand what constitutes a high-scoring answer. However, it's less relevant for subjects like Math or Physics, where solution videos are more useful.

Solely using textbooks for study receives the lowest rating of 'Why though?' (one star). Textbooks are often too detailed and inefficient for effective exam preparation. The most useful part is typically the summarized information at the end of chapters, implying that active learning methods are far superior.

Studying away from the desk is given five stars, emphasizing the importance of developing a deeper interest in a subject beyond traditional study. Examples include watching TV shows or reading books in a target language, or engaging with subject-related content online or in clubs. This approach makes learning more enjoyable and facilitates better information absorption.

Gabrielle concludes by reiterating that her tier list is subjective and encourages viewers to find study methods that personally work for them. She hopes the video provided clarity and useful insights for those struggling with study techniques.