Hi Simplice, I understand where you are coming from, I for one didn't really spent much of my study time making up dot point notes, at least, not trying to make the 'perfect' set of dot point notes, because for me, it was not an efficient way to study. I often studied better by writing hand written summarised notes on textbook (because it allowed me to gain a greater sense of how each dot point connected together and learnt knowledge as an integrated whole rather than dot point by dot point. Perhaps you could get notes from a very good student and spent time studying and applying the notes if it works better for you. I essentially have already summarised a lot of time management, studying and minimising procrastination techniques in this guide in the form of advising students how to make timetable/to-do lists and how to study efficiently for all the main subjects. However I will include some additional tips below
TIME MANAGEMENT
1)Make a plan and stick with it-this is essentially the golden tip to managing your time well, you need to plan your time well beforehand so you don't waste time. Time is the most precious commodity in senior study(on a literal and metaphorical level), and it is the one commodity shared by every one, regardless of their access to resources. So plan your time well and you will maximise your chance of achieving your aspirations. Perhaps you could consider joining extra-curriculars so that any time you have left to study will be used as efficiently as possible since it is likely you may adopt the mindset that "I have got only this amount of time to study, I don't have any time to waste so I must study". At least this was the mindset I am adopting when I am currently in uni and engaging in a range of extra-curriculars, I find that if you are determined enough to achieve your goals, you can do whatever you set your mind towards
STUDYING SMARTER
1)Identify and adopt the study method that is most suitable to you-you need to identify what type of learner you are, whether it be aural, kinaesthetic, visual and stick with it. For me, I worked well in making one page mind map summaries of entire modules-this was particularly for science subjects such as Chemistry and Physics on A3 paper-no doubt my writing was super tiny and often the summaries were double sided-but it allowed me to connect different things together and it was very helpful since I was a visual learner. For some of my subjects such as English, I would record my notes and listen to them whenever possible. You might want to pretend to explain content to the mirror as a way to absorb information, trial and error and adopt the best study method that is for you. What works for another may not necessarily work for you.
2)Listen in class-I have already stressed this point before in my study guide, particularly in the section on tips for studying English. If you actively listen in class to what the teacher have to say and take down appropriate notes and ask questions the second you don't understand something rather than let the knowledge gaps expand, you will save a significant amount of study time. Too often I have observed people distracted with technology, whether it be social media, phones or what not rather than listening to the teacher and then complained the teacher can't teach. You must refrain from talking with your friends and really absorbing what knowledge the teacher have to disseminate to you. This will save you the time having to relearnt the content in your spare time and allow you to use your time in an efficient manner.
3)Ask teachers questions-this is not just in a classroom context, but outside of the classroom as well, if you have any concerns about anything or if the teacher has missed any dot points, asked them to go over things they have missed or wasn't explained well, take the effort to seek for help during recess, before/after school, lunch, or if you are feeling a bit shy like me, then send emails to teachers (but make sure your teachers know you are sending an email to them and that they are the kind who respond to emails promptly). You need to actively think about the reason why you are taught these pieces of information to extend your understanding and ensure you excel in exam situation where application of knowledge is always emphasised.
4)Understand expectations and practice under strict exam conditions-this understanding of expectations most often manifest itself in the form of reading through any marking criteria provided and ensure any assessment/assignments fulfil such criteria as closely as possible. For English, particularly at the HSC level, make sure you familiarise yourself with the demands of each rubric for each module and keep such demands in mind whenever you are writing any essays. Practising under strict exam conditions are crucial because you need to train yourself to resolve any problems under exam pressures-be strict in your marking and you will not get any surprised marks
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REDUCING PROCRASTINATION
1)Set goals and stick with them-essentially this might be academic or related to extra-curriculars or your health, make sure you establish realistic short term, mid term and long term goals and stick with them until you achieve them. As a part of this you will need to make a sustainable study timetable/plan of some sort to manage your time efficiently and effectively.
2)Remove distractions-whether it be the compulsion to go on Facebook (perhaps try to log yourself out and remove the messenger app on your smartphone if you have one), removing your laptop from your sight if you don't need it, make sure that your table has only what you need and nothing what you don't need. If your study environment is noisy, perhaps try listening to some meditative/relaxing music or book a study room in a local library to study. Sometimes group studying can be an option as well-you might feel more motivated studying with friends.
3)Self-Discipline and Determination-this last point is perhaps the most important. At the end of the day, we all procrastinate, even I am guilty of the crime. However, you must try to develop a strong sense of self-discipline in making sure you achieve your HSC goals. This means that whenever you are conscious you are procrastinating, you stop the act and go back to study. There are three to four months worth of holidays at the end of the HSC waiting for you, you will have plenty of time to rest then. To earn the break without regrets you would/should have done better, the only way is to study as hard as you can while taking care of your body at the same time.
Hope this helps
