It is simply a plan that allows you to determine a particular study pattern that is consistent with your overall study strategy and will allow you to achieve your academic goals. It can differ depending on its significance for each student. Some students may create a simple document to merely remind themselves of the subject(s) that they wish to study on particular days. Consider the following example:
- Monday - English Advanced
- Tuesday - Physics
- Wednesday - Mathematics Advanced
- Thursday - Business Studies and Economics
- Friday - Chemistry
- Saturday - Catch up (any subject)
- Sunday - No studying
In such a case, students rely on their memory and/or other elements to determine and recall their areas of focus within each subject, and the plan may therefore not need to be updated often.
Other students may choose to have their overall study strategy be more informed by their plan, which implies the need for a more detailed plan. For example, in addition to listing the subject(s) to focus on each day, students may add details such as the specific concepts/topics to emphasise, as well as approximate time allocation for the subject(s). Consider the following example:
- Monday - English Advanced
- Apply teacher feedback for Module A essay (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
- Tuesday - Physics
- Complete homework (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
- Improve notes (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Wednesday - Mathematics Advanced
- Complete homework (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
- Attempt 1 past paper (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
- Thursday - Business Studies and Economics
- Complete homework (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
- Improve notes (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Friday - Chemistry
- Complete homework (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm)
- Improve notes (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
- Saturday - Catch up (any subject)
- Mathematics Advanced - Attempt past papers
- Sunday - No studying
Such plans can be customised to suit the individual needs of students. This means that you can include any information (e.g. homework and assignments) which you believe would clarify your focus going forward. You can then make any adjustments and updates as needed throughout the year.
While you should aim to study a certain number of hours (so that you can achieve progress), the specific number of hours is not as important as actually achieving your study objectives. For instance, you may spend 2 hours studying a particular subject and make minimal progress. On the other hand, you may spend less time studying a subject and make more significant progress. You should also ensure that you take regular breaks when studying to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.
Lastly, it would be good to have a general idea of the subjects to study on particular days, although it is understandable that you may not always be able to follow the same pattern as you will most likely need to accommodate multiple assignments and exams throughout the year.
I hope this helps!