It seems that everyone has tips for getting the most from revision – from the age-old routines of your parents to cutting-edge cerebral techniques used by last year’s graduates – but what are the five most useful tips for squeezing the most out of your revision?
Thorough Notes
The majority of teachers will put their slides and seminar notes up for everyone to see after a class, so if you miss any lessons or lectures there’s no excuse for you to have gaps in your knowledge – get online and have a lecture/ seminar in the comfort of your bedroom. And don’t take a shortcut by printing the information out and just slotting it into your binder without even looking at it – write your lecture notes out in your own style and only take on-board the information you feel is most relevant.
How Do You Learn?
Everyone has their own unique way of learning – some are visual learners, some are auditory learners and others learn simply learn by doing. Finding out which one you respond best to can be a big boost to effective revision and get you to that next level of learning.
If you are a visual learner it makes sense to condense information down into easily digestible formats such as diagrams and mood-boards, whereas if you’re an auditory learner the best way for you to revise would be through vLectures and podcasts such as those offered by PasTest.
Stick To Your Timetable
A great revision timetable will make sure that every area you want to focus on that will come up in your exam is given adequate attention. By planning these subjects out effectively, it will make sure that you don’t end up cramming in panic the night before. When coming up with a plan it also helps to factor in revisiting subjects a few days after you’ve revised it – this reiteration memory technique will ensure that the information is still there when the day of the exam comes around.
Many studies show that the maximum amount of time people can concentrate for is 45 minutes, so organise your revision blocks to reflect this, with regular tea breaks and fresh air intervals factored in.
Test Yourself
Whatever method of learning your respond best to, a great way to prepare and put your knowledge to the test is by attempting past exam papers or exam format questions. These short, sharp tests will put your knowledge to the test and highlight what you need to brush up on and if there are any gaps in your knowledge. Testing yourself with plenty of time before an exam will be a big help to reiterate what you have learned and what subjects you need to revisit.
Stay Smart
Don’t panic and don’t spend all your waking hours trying to cram information – living the pious monk life isn’t going to help you any more than a refined and thorough approach will. Revise smart, take breaks when you need them, reward yourself for overcoming subjects you’re struggling with, and most importantly keep your spirits up with your end goal in sight – it will all be worth it in the end.
Following these tips will help you study smartly and give you a real sense of achievement before you even walk through the examination door, ensuring you’ll ace it.