10 Tips for the Start or Return to your CILEx Studies

DO THE READING. Make sure you do any reading assigned for your particular course and don’t get behind. It’s hard to catch up. Do your reading when you are alert and not tired and pick a location where you won’t be distracted or tempted to do something else.

REVIEW BEFORE EACH CLASS. Review any reading notes so a subject is fresh in your mind. This will also help you to follow the class discussion and avoid the embarrassment of being unprepared.

GO TO CLASS. If you fail to attend classes, you will miss the material that is discussed and also put yourself at a disadvantage when it comes round to tests and the final examination.

PARTICIPATE IN CLASS. Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process

CONSIDER FORMING A STUDY GROUP. Study groups can be a valuable learning tool. Talking through materials with your classmates can increase your understanding and help you retain important information. Don’t let the Group become a social session. You could use the PVLT Members Group to post messages about meet ups, particularly nearer to the exams.

REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW. Do this consistently and don’t cram just before the final exam. Make time to frequently review course materials.

TAKE PRACTICE TESTS AND EXAMS. Don’t avoid tests and mock exams. You are only doing yourself a dis-service. Statistically, those people who sit a practice or mock exam and fail have got a much better chance of passing than someone who hasn’t attempted the practice or mock exam at all.

CREATE A STUDY PLAN. Plan your time in advance – this is important particularly when you are working full time and have domestic responsibilities. If you are struggling to manage your time, speak to us and we’ll offer some strategies to help.

MINIMISE YOUR STRESS. Make sure you look after yourself – try to exercise and eat properly. Keep your water intake up - better than fizzy drinks with high caffeine! Try to sleep for 7-8 hours each night. Continue to have a life beyond studying – you may need to restrict it more as you approach exams though. Try to control your stress levels. Hopefully the workshops and sessions that follow on which were mentioned at induction will assist with this.

GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT. If you are unsure or confused about something covered in class, speak to your tutor. This can be done during class time, after the class has finished on a 1:2:1 basis or you could e-mail or text them. They are there to support you. If you need help with study skills e-mail Debbie Feenan who will hopefully be able to provide you with more generic assistance. The bottom line is don’t struggle on alone – we are here to help.