Lifeline Notebook Study Guide

Lifeline Notebook

• Start notebook at beginning of semester, add to it as semester progresses
• Stem subjects:
  • Important Dates
  • Topics
  • Formulas per chapter
  • Definitions
  • Structures
  • Notes (key points)
  • Corrections
  • Practice questions and marking scheme answers
• Essay based subjects:
  • Important dates
  • Phrases to include in essays (from model essays/books)
  • Your essays (with mistakes)
  • Corrected essays (after marking)
  • Model essays (highlight key phrases)

Study Tips

• Write down topics and subtopics as you progress through the semester
• Include every single formula
• Write down every mistake you make: Include the question, your incorrect answer, the correct answer, and your teacher’s explanation
• Don’t just write due dates: Write down start dates for studying, projects and homework
• Connect concepts together by linking them
• Use AI tools: Summarization, essay outlines, translation (to simplify text)

Homework

• First step: look at your homework and see if you have all the resources to complete it
  • Ask any questions right away, don’t wait until the next day
  • Complete easy questions you already know
• Learn by doing: Start homework immediately, then check textbook or other resources for anything you don’t know
  • This turns 1 hour of studying and 1 hour of homework into 1 hour of mixed study & homework.
• Read parallel to your textbook: Don’t simply recite the sentence, explain it in your own words
  • Use flash cards and create questions
  • Learning should feel slightly challenging

Studying

• Study in groups: studying alone means learning everything from scratch
• Set a soft deadline 3-4 days before the actual deadline: Helps to manage time and allows for comparison with friends
• When stuck on a problem, text someone who might know how to solve it: Pivot to something else afterwards
• Reduce screen time to improve focus

Pomodoro Technique

• Short study bursts: 45-minute to 1-hour sessions
• Steps:
  • Pick a task
  • Set a 45-minute to 1-hour timer
  • Work on the task until it is complete
  • Take a 5-minute break
  • After every 4 Pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break
• Tools: flashcards

Learning Tools & Techniques

• Short-term rewards: Split study sessions and give your brain small rewards
• Body doubling: Study with someone else
• Practice tests: Help you learn and practice without the risk of failure
  • Boosts confidence
  • Power of repetition
• Learn to teach: Try explaining a topic to someone else to solidify understanding
• Station:
  • Ditch your phone
  • Study in a dedicated environment
  • Create a quiz without hints
  • Take breaks