Need to up your game on exam preparation? These quick and easy to do steps could be the answer.
As everyone knows, exams are extremely stressful and even more stressful when they determine your final grade. You want to be able to study efficiently so you can achieve the best possible mark. So here are some tips to revise and achieve results!
- Gather all information
You need to put together all your revision materials and information on the format and content of your exams. You also need to have a clear idea of what you’re working towards. In order to prepare for revision, you will need a complete set of notes for each subject (take on board any lectures or seminars you have missed). It’s also crucial to look at past exam papers for each subject; this will give you an idea of the layout and what may be expected. It’s invaluable to put yourself in exam situations and mark your own paper to highlight what you do wrong and how you can improve. If you’re unsure you could ask your tutor or lecturer to mark your paper and give you feedback, they will be happy to help. Altogether your revision notes should include – lecture notes, seminar notes, textbooks and academic commentary.
- Working Environment
It’s vital that the place you study can put you into work mode as this will help you work most effectively. It’s important to know that revision is different to making notes. Revision requires more concentration as you have to take in a lot more material, so the place you study usually may not be the best place to revise. A good working environment must be comfortable, contain everything you need, is quiet and has no interruptions or distractions.
If you find that you make no progress when you try to revise, go to the library for a few hours before it closes, or before you have football/netball. This will make you work harder and you’ll get more done in those few hours than sitting down all day procrastinating. If you’re feeling unmotivated, take a break – go for a short walk then start again. Is the library getting a bit tedious? A fresh environment can stop distractions and help you recall information more easily.
- Create a timetable
Drawing up a timetable will reduce anxiety and the chance of you becoming overwhelmed. You will have more sense of control over your studying by creating a timetable. I’ve had to learn from my own mistakes when it comes to revising, however I learnt the hard way. I didn’t use to plan my revision; I would simply pick a subject at random, skim through a few notes (which weren’t organised) and just focus on one exam. I’d be left with only a few days to revise for all the others, inevitably this method didn’t work and I ended up paying the price. So the next step is to organise your revision to ensure that you are working systematically and covering all subjects equally. It’s not healthy to work all day every day, so design a realistic timetable you will stick to.
- Effective revision
‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’. If you want to change your old ways and not continue getting the same old mark, then you shouldn’t stick to the same old methods of revision.
It is essential to get off to a good start, set yourself a goal and be realistic. First objective is to start from scratch and create a comprehensive set of notes, and then the process should consist of condensing your notes with all key points. This practice should continue until you have a skeleton of notes composed of only keywords and phrases which will trigger your memory.
Mind maps and flow charts are excellent to revise from. They will help you remember information more easily and will test your understanding of the subject. Furthermore they can help to break down complicated topics and pinpoint keywords. Once this is done and you’re a bit more confident, you should start by producing the mind maps from memory. On the plus side, they make your room look colourful and quite interesting.
Once you’re ready to start exams, it’s important to stay calm. Here are a few strategies to reduce anxiety…
Stay on track with exam preparation and start early – Revise when you’re most productive.
Take a break – Notice when you’re losing concentration and when you’re tired. Don’t go into exhaustion mode because by the time of your third exam you will be too worn out.
Set rewards for yourself – For your progression, this can motivate you. For example, reward yourself by watching your favourite TV programme or buying yourself a present.
Keep things in perspective – Thinking that your life or future depends on this exam isn’t healthy and definitely isn’t the case. Thinking this way will make you worry more and won’t do you any favors. Remember to stay calm and that positivity equals positive results! Exams do say little about you, they often fail to measure a student’s real academic ability, so don’t put yourself down if you don’t do as well as you hoped.
Healthy body, healthy mind – ‘You don’t get what you want, you get what you are’. Anon
Your health is the most important. Students are often tempted to deal with academic challenges by using quick fixes. However this is likely to burn up all your energy in one go, sending you back to square one. Exercise and getting plenty of sleep is important, most people find yoga or breathing exercises help deal with stress. Your studies are important, but never at the cost of your physical and mental wellbeing. If you are well, you will perform better.
Image sources:
http://warrinergeography.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/global-warming-mind-maps/
http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=935688
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