Legal Studies - Method of Studying?

[akadillz]

Hi guys, just wanted to know how to actually study for Legal Studies! I understand a lot of it is memorizing, and I have maintained a 94% SAC average by doing just that. However, I'm quite concerned as I do not see myself memorizing all the content of Legal Studies. Should I try summarize everything and memorize it? Help Any tips will be appreciated.

[clarke54321]

Hi guys, just wanted to know how to actually study for Legal Studies! I understand a lot of it is memorizing, and I have maintained a 94% SAC average by doing just that. However, I'm quite concerned as I do not see myself memorizing all the content of Legal Studies. Should I try summarize everything and memorize it? Help Any tips will be appreciated.

Hi!

Well done on your great average    While memorising is definitely helpful for Legal, it is critical that you know how to apply this knowledge. And from your SAC results, it seems as though you definitely appreciate this fact. For me, the best way to keep strengthening this skill, was to answer and expose myself to many practice exams and practice questions. Timing wasn't of extreme importance to me, but rather how much detail and coherency I could incorporate into my answers. Even if you don't do full exam papers, just pluck out some random questions from multiple exam companies (including VCAA, obviously). I'd also recommend that you read examiners reports and note the concerns and preferences of examiners. This has to be your best resource by far!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask 

[akadillz]

Hi!

Well done on your great average    While memorising is definitely helpful for Legal, it is critical that you know how to apply this knowledge. And from your SAC results, it seems as though you definitely appreciate this fact. For me, the best way to keep strengthening this skill, was to answer and expose myself to many practice exams and practice questions. Timing wasn't of extreme importance to me, but rather how much detail and coherency I could incorporate into my answers. Even if you don't do full exam papers, just pluck out some random questions from multiple exam companies (including VCAA, obviously). I'd also recommend that you read examiners reports and note the concerns and preferences of examiners. This has to be your best resource by far!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask 

Thank you for the useful information! However, my concerns still remain. While I understand I need to apply as well as memorise, I am confused as to how to actually memorise the content, since there is quite a lot. Is there a process you recommend? By doing practice exams I only feel like I am repeating what I know and find it difficult to learn from what I don't know.

[clarke54321]

Thank you for the useful information! However, my concerns still remain. While I understand I need to apply as well as memorise, I am confused as to how to actually memorise the content, since there is quite a lot. Is there a process you recommend? By doing practice exams I only feel like I am repeating what I know and find it difficult to learn from what I don't know.

No problems. Well I did find that doing many practice questions did complement the memorising process; given the sheer breadth and variety of exam questions. However I can also recommend the following:

-Tables for knowledge (especially the evaluating, to what extent and discuss type questions). Split it into advantages/disadvantages attatched with examples.
-Reading solutions to the practice exams. This can be very helpful. It means that you aren't repeating knowledge, but picking up on bits of detail that you previously never knew of.
-Go through past SACs and revise weaknesses.
-Try and develop your own questions. Eg. write up some cards with different detailed studies and randomly pick two up. This can be especially helpful for the 10 marker, and forces you to combine obscure parts of the course.

Good luck

[Glasses]

In addition to what clarke54321 recommended, I personally found it really helpful to "teach" the concepts to someone or simply an object; i.e. orally explain the information in your own words, use examples, and use the study design or 'trigger words' as the basis for what you're 'teaching.'