International Baccalaureate (IB) Guide: Study Skills & Tools

Summarise

• Don't try and write everything that you hear or read. Write what you think is important
• Use your own words - paraphrase the key points.
• Make note of anything that doesn't make sense. You can come back to it later.

Structure

• Organize your notes. Use headings, subheadings, dot points and colours to distinguish different topics and major/minor points.
• Diagrams can be used to represent connected topics and ideas.
• Abbreviations and symbols can make note-taking easier.
• Your notes are just for you, so use the tools that you find easy.

Review

• At the end of the class or day, review what you wrote down. This will help you remember the topic.
• At the end of the class or day, the information should still be fresh in your mind. You can add any additional notes that you think will be useful.

Getting organised

• Take an organised approach to balance your priorities and commitments.
• Plan your time. Work out what you need to do, when you need to do it by and when you can get it done.
• Prioritise. Do things in order of importance.
• Be realistic. Allow enough time to complete tasks.
• Do not put things off until the last minute.

Developing a plan

• Break tasks into smaller steps.
• Estimate time for each step.
• Use a planner and add the steps to your planner.
• Mark all your commitments in your planner including classes, work, family, social and other regular commitments. 
• Things change. Be prepared to adjust your planner. 

Develop good study habits

• Take regular breaks. This will keep you fresh.
• Make sure you get enough sleep.
• Know when you study best and try to plan this time for study.
• Ask for help when you need it. Do not wait until assessment tasks are due.