Hey!
I have a few questions for you;
What's the best way do you think to learn and retain information?
Hi Gracexx, and welcome to the forums
Thanks for all the questions!
I was quite lucky as I had a pretty good memory, so I could generally read over info a couple of times and remember it pretty well. The other strategy I used was to write it down - usually in both a chapter summary and then during answers to practice questions. In terms of retaining all of the content for the final exam (and there is quite a lot!), my primary way of remembering it was through doing stacks and stacks of practice questions
What's the best way to study?
This differs greatly from person to person, so I can't speak for everyone. My preferred way was to create chapter summaries and to do practice SAC's/exams, which I think is definitely the best way to study for the exam
In my class, we also created a 'visual diary', which was collection of diagrams, pictures and info to try and show the information in a colourful and exciting way. Although I am not at all a creative person, I found some of the diagrams really useful, including a flowchart on research methods and a flowchart on stress, and I would encourage you to create a couple of useful ones yourself
When do you start your actual exam preparation for psychology?
In terms of actual exam prep, I probably started around the middle of Term 3, when I started doing practice exams and going over all of the earlier content. Overall, I did about 10-15 practice exams for Psych, and they were my primary way of revising
Did handwritten or typed notes work best for you?
Great question! I actually had a bit of both. As I mentioned earlier, in class we would create a visual diary, which was all handwritten. On top of that, I created typed chapter summaries for myself (I was too lazy to handwrite them), and I used both resources. In my opinion, you're more likely to remember info if you handwrite it, but it does take quite a bit more time and effort, and there is the possibility that they can get damaged
Either way, I would recommend that you always handwrite answers to practice questions and practice exams.
Did you have a psychology tutor? If so, do you think it was worth it?
No, I didn't have a Psych tutor, or any tutor at all during Year 12. If you are looking for a tutor, I hear there's a great one that works for ATAR Notes
Best strategies leading up to the exam?
To put it simply, do practice exams - as many as it takes until you feel comfortable. Other than that, work hard but work smart (there's no point working hard for eight hours if you don't actually learn much]
How should we approach the end of year exam? Any tips?
As I said earlier, work until you're comfortable and confident
Other than that, don't freak out (those people always really annoyed me). The exam is a great chance to show off what you know, and if you've done the work, you will get rewarded
Did you go to any psychology lectures? If so, which ones are the most worth it to attend?
I did go to a couple, although none by the major companies and, to be honest, I wouldn't have a clue who they were run by
I find they can vary a bit, they can be really useful, but they can also be really boring if they're not that good. My overall view is that lectures can be helpful, but aren't usually worth paying a fortune for. Just so you know, ATAR Notes will be running free Psych lectures in July and September, so you can't really lose by going to them
I hope that helped! Let me know if you have any other questions, and good luck for the year!