r evision and exam strategies
TRANSCRIPT
rEVISION aND eXAM sTRATEGIES
Mary WickhamIN 1 HOU
R
Part 1: Before Exams-p
lanning And Revising
Getting started
First Things First
Find the best place to study
Organise and files your notes before revising
from themWhich topic need
more revision than others? The
hardest one.
Drawing up revision timetablewhat to include in your timetable?
1. How long before the exams begin will ur revision start? If u hv an xm term, allow urself to take a break at the end of the second sem and get down revision about six weeks before exams start.
2. What time of day u most productive?3. Do u prefer to separate ur revision topics/integrate them?4. How long can u concentrate on ur revision before u take a
break?5. Will ur revision timetable will be interrupted by other
commitments, 4 e.g, an important cports competition or a friend’s bday party?
• Using ur ans to the que above, u can create a template, find the time and date of ur exams n start planning
• U shud also factor in:– Fixed activities such as part-time job or a sports club
– it’s not necessary to give up everything else that u do
– Revision session arranged by your college / university– Relaxation time and family activities
Filing and organising lecture notes
• Hints and tips filing:– Set up a filing system at the beginning of term, or arrange one b4 u
revising– Hv a separate file for each module– Use different colors 4 ur files so that u can locate what u’re looking 4
quickly– Use file dividers for different topics– Date all ur notes and number the pages so u can match them to the
lectures easily– Use headings based on the topics and make them stand out. When u
revising 4 exams u’ll find what u;re looking for much quickly– Back up any assignments and notes on ur computer with a memory
stick. If u only hv one copy and computer crashes, they’ll be gone forever
Setting Goals• Types of goals to think about:– Organising ur notes b4 starting to revise– Reading section important texts and make sure
u’ve understood them– Revising 4 a set period of time succumbing to
distractions– Sticking to ur plan 4 each session on ur revision
timetable– Deciding ehen to take breaks and resisting to
temptation to relax before reaching the set time
Tips for scoreExercise is a good way to start each day as long as it’s
not too strenuous. It wakes u up, stimulates blood flow to the brain and helps u to focus on ur revision
Don’t spend more time planning ur revision than doing ur revision. It’s easy to get carried away with the process of revision rather than actually getting down to revision itself
Keep a non-caffeine based drink beside u while u’re revising. Ur brain is made up of 75% water and if ubecome dehydrated, ur concentration will be affected
Dos
Remember u still hv a life beyond revision and that ok to phone ur friends for a chat or arrange a game footbal every so often
Gives urself rewards, both big and small. When u get to theend of stressful week, go out at the weekend
Make sure at the end of each day that u’ve covered what u intended to do, so that u keep track of ur progress. If u need more time, u can make changes to your timetable
Don’ts
o Give up if u hv a bad day and cover very little from ur revision schedule
o Schedule revision right through the night. Sleep is important
o Make the mistake of thinking the first exam is more important than theothers just because it’s first
o Forget that the real world is still out there and u’ll be back there before long
2. Using revision resources• Identifying the subject areas:
– Reading lists– Lecture handouts– Ur own lecture notes– revision and course notes on
the virtual learning environment
– The course outline given to u at the beginning of the module
– Assay tittles and the coursework topics
– The assignments and coursework that u’ve written
• Past xm papersand assignments topics:– 3 common of accessing
past papers:• University’s library• Virtual learning
environments (Vles)• Online.
Part 2: an individual approach
Revision strategies that suits u
• Making notes– Linear notes
( advantages/disadvantages
– Mind-maps– Tables– Flow charts
• Using notecards• Study group• Memory thecnique
( mnemonics)
Looking after yourself
• Managing revision stress– Techniques for de-
stressing• Complete break from
study. Watch movies/play games
• Doing physical activities (dance/run)
– Breathing technique– Relaxation techniques
• Close ur eyes and breathe deeply and slowly
• Locate areas of tension and try relax those muscles; imagine the tension disappearing
• Relax each part of ur body, from ur feet to the top of ur head
• As u focus on each part of ur body, think of warmth, heaviness and relaxation. Try and visualise a situation that helps uto feel calm, such as lying on a beach or chatting in a favourite place with friends
• After 20 mins, take some ddep breaths and stretch
• Looking after ur health– A well balanced-diet– Enough sleep 6-8
hours/day
• Study environment• Always keep urself
motivated
The day before exam
• Checking the exam regulations• Getting enough sleep night before• Getting to the exam on time– Make sure u wake up intime– Check the time of the exam– Leave home plenty of time– Know where the exam will be