Tips From The Top
Discover a hub of bitesize tips and curated news straight from the minds of top students!
Tired of boring, generic study advice? PlanPal’s new blog “Tips from the Top” offers authentic, firsthand insights from real students who have excelled, as well as interesting education-related news from around the world!
Bitesize News
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Did you know that Burnage Academy for Boys in Manchester has seen some positive changes from banning mobile phones?
The school has enforced the ban for nearly 12 years, and according to Greg Morrison, the associate assistant head teacher, it has helped improve student engagement and social interaction. Without phones in the classroom, students can concentrate better on their lessons and engage with their peers during breaks.
Interestingly, students actually like the ban, with many saying it leads to more face-to-face conversations and encourages physical activities like playing football. While phones are a huge part of daily life for young people, education expert Dr. Louise Black suggests that schools should create mobile phone policies based on what works best for their community.
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Did you know that technology is completely transforming the way we learn?
AI and virtual reality (VR) are at the forefront of this change. For instance, generative AI tools like ChatGPT are being explored for tasks such as creating assignments and automating grading. This gives teachers more time to focus on what really matters – interacting with students.
Another big trend is VR, which allows students to explore virtual environments, and when combined with AI, the learning experience could get even more immersive.
Gamification, which adds elements of game-like rewards to learning, is also gaining popularity. It’s making learning more engaging, but there’s still a challenge to make sure it promotes deeper understanding and not just quick, surface-level responses.
On top of that, schools are collecting a lot of data on students' progress, but for it to be useful, it needs to be easily accessible and actionable for teachers. As more data is gathered, there are growing concerns about privacy.
All these advancements offer amazing learning opportunities, but they need to be carefully implemented with a focus on ethical use.
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Did you know that playing open-world video games can actually boost your mental health?
A study found that games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild help reduce stress and improve relaxation, especially for students.
These games give you the freedom to explore expansive worlds at your own pace, which helps you disconnect from daily pressures. Players reported feeling more relaxed and positive after playing, thanks to the sense of autonomy and mastery these games provide.
So, next time you need a break, your favorite open-world game might just be the stress-reliever you need!
Study Smarter, Not Harder
Understand the System
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Focus on understanding how you’ll be assessed.
What are the key concepts? What types of questions are likely to come up? What are the learning objectives in the syllabus?
Learn the rubrics and focus on the criteria that matter most. Ask for feedback.
Prioritize understanding these topics deeply rather than trying to cover everything on the surface level. Learn the rubrics and focus on the criteria that matter most.
The Teaching Technique
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Pretend to teach the material to someone else.
Explaining concepts out loud forces you to understand them deeply and think critically about the content. You can even try teaching an imaginary audience or recording yourself.
This method not only shows gaps in your knowledge but also improves retention because it engages multiple senses—speaking, hearing, and reasoning.
Mastering Daily Lessons
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Review each day’s material on the same day it’s taught.
During this time, the information is still fresh and you'll be able to cement the knowledge in your memory. Don’t let lessons pile up, as it can lead to unnecessary stress and last-minute cramming.
Over time, revisiting these notes regularly will make exam preparation less daunting and help solidify your understanding of the material.
Just Pay Attention
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Pay full attention in class.
By concentrating during lessons, taking good notes, and asking questions when you need clarification, you don’t have to spend hours studying later. It’s an efficient way to stay on top of things while reducing the stress of last-minute cramming.
It’s a simple habit, but makes a big difference.
Break it Down
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When preparing for an exam or a project, break it down into manageable stages. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, divide the workload into smaller tasks and allocate specific days to complete them.
For instance, focus on gathering resources on one day, creating outlines the next, and revising closer to the deadline.
This not only keeps you organized but also reduces feelings of stress.
Build Relationships with Teachers
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Teachers are there to guide you. Make use of it.
Having strong relationships with teachers not only helps you enjoy the class more, but will come in handy when you need extra help, support, or are struggling.
Show that you care by asking questions, engaging in class, and putting in effort.
Mindset & Balance
What’s Your “Why?”
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Procrastination can be a challenge, but it’s often rooted in fear or lack of motivation. To combat it, identify your "why"—why is this goal important to you?
When a goal has personal meaning, it becomes easier to prioritize. Connecting a task to something meaningful, whether personal growth or a long-term dream, helps bring back the motivation. Reflecting on how the goal aligns with your values and future can make it feel more purposeful and less like a chore.
“Get” is a Magic Word
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“I get to do this”
Switching from "I have to do this" to "I get to do this" can change how you feel about tasks. "I have to" sounds like an obligation, while "I get to" makes it feel like an opportunity.
It helps you focus on the positive side, like being grateful for the chance to learn or grow. This small change can make tasks feel less stressful and more motivating.
Make Time Count
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When you're trying to balance a lot of activities, it's helpful to prioritize based on what's time-sensitive.
Social events and fun activities will come around again, but tasks like college applications or studying for an important test have deadlines that can’t be moved.
By focusing on tasks with fixed timelines or big consequences, you know that you're handling what's most important now, while still leaving room for things you can enjoy later.
Choose Your Circle
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Peer pressure can really affect how you balance school and social life. It’s important to surround yourself with people who respect your academic goals and share your values.
Good friends will support your success. Look for people who are genuinely supportive of what you’re trying to achieve. Having a solid support system makes it easier to find that balance between work and play.
Control
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Focus on what you can control.
You can't control everything, but you can control your actions, attitude, and how you respond. By putting your energy into those things, you can make progress even when things aren’t perfect.
At the same time, releasing what you can't control frees you from unnecessary stress and lets you focus on what truly matters.
It’s Not That Deep
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Try not to take everything too seriously. It will pass.
You’ll start to realize that so many things you’ve stressed over eventually passed, and now they barely cross your mind. In those moments, try to focus on the present and what’s right in front of you. It’ll help remind you that most things you worry about aren't as big as they seem in the moment.