The start of the year is a great time to do a quick SWOT analysis. What would you like to achieve this year both academically and in your personal life? It is a great time to look back and decide what worked, and what didn’t and then look forward to what new approaches you will try. You can either write your answers down, discuss with someone or just think about your responses in each category.

STRENGTHS:

• What went well for you at school last year?
• What study and time management techniques worked for you?
• What skills do you have that help you to do your best at school and in life?

WEAKNESSES: 

• What were your greatest challenges in achieving your personal best at school?
• What do you struggle with most as a student?
• What do you need the most help or support with?

OPPORTUNITIES:

• What one thing could you do differently this year that would most help you to improve your results?
• What skills do you most need to focus on improving this year?
• Who in your life would be able to help you to be a better student?

THREATS:

• What are the biggest obstacles to you making changes in your approach?
• Are there other students you sat with last year who made your learning difficult?
• What is stopping you from achieving the best results you can at school this year?

After you have worked through the SWOT analysis, choose the top 5 changes you want to make this year and write these down. Put these goals somewhere where you will see them every day before you go to school. If possible also write down some specific actions or steps you could take to achieve these goals. A good approach is at the start of each week write down the steps you want to take for that week.

You can learn the skills you need about how to be a more effective student at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au 

If you go to the THINGS TO PRINT page after you log in you will find lots of useful grids and planners for this year like a weekly calendar or term planner.