Writing matric? Here’s where to find free study tools

Matric final exams are upon students, and they are facing immense pressure to achieve the desired results. Teneo Online School Phase Head, Tracey Clayton, emphasizes the availability of free resources that can assist learners in their studies without the need to hire a tutor. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has made a wealth of past papers accessible online, along with marking memos.

Clayton advises students to not only memorize the papers but also recreate exam conditions by imposing time constraints and comparing their responses against the official memorandum. This approach, she explains, is similar to what a proficient tutor would recommend.

Various free tools are at learners' disposal, including study groups and leveraging the teachers they already have access to. Instead of broadly stating that they struggle with a subject, Clayton recommends students pinpoint the specific problem, such as a particular calculation, concept, or question, and seek targeted assistance. Free resources like Siyavula and Khan Academy offer valuable study materials, including past papers that were previously restricted behind a paywall.

However, Clayton suggests that learners should not overlook the simple yet effective method of writing by hand. Research indicates that physically writing can be beneficial, as it allows for focused attention on the material without the temptation to immediately check solutions on a device. After studying online, learners can transition to writing on paper, working through problems step by step, and drawing diagrams without relying on a keyboard.

Physical notebooks can also serve as a valuable tool, acting as a running record of questions or concepts that continue to pose challenges. Moreover, having a printed past paper, memo, or set of questions eliminates the dependency on a continuous internet connection or data availability for every study session. Yet, Clayton points out that free educational material online may not always be accessible to all learners.

While there is an abundance of resources available, including past papers, video lessons, and other educational material, the key challenge lies in having a device, data connectivity, and a quiet space to study. For many families, this may not be a guaranteed reality. Nevertheless, this hurdle can be overcome through creative solutions.

Learners with access to Wi-Fi at school, libraries, or other locations can download materials for future use. Friends and classmates can share papers or downloaded resources, and a study group can facilitate the sharing of knowledge rather than each individual grappling with the material alone. Clayton acknowledges that while technology has narrowed the gap between learners who can afford additional academic support and those who cannot, it has not entirely eliminated the disparity.

The availability of a device, data connectivity, and a quiet study space remains as crucial as the content itself in ensuring that learners can fully benefit from the free educational resources available.