Monday 25 February 2013

revision and exams


You might think that you are the only one freaking out about tests, but practically everybody does, but they are better at hiding it. The 'cool' people might not revise and not get worried but when it comes to major exams, they will do badly or even fail. So its good to always revise and work hard because I promise you it will come back to you in a good way!
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your revision time and keep those nerves under control.
It’s important to remember that an examination is a test of learning, not memory. Examiners want to see evidence that you have drawn on your knowledge to develop a reasoned argument, rather than replicate course notes and textbook facts. Revision should be a process of consolidating understanding rather than cramming as much information as possible before the morning of the exam.
 Where to revise?
  • Find a quiet place to study and make sure you are sitting comfortably.
  • Make sure your desk is well lit.
  • Keep background noise to a minimum.
  • Avoid studying in an area where there will be distractions (like television!)
  • Have everything you need to do your revision to hand before you start.
  • Find a quiet place to study and make sure you are sitting comfortably
  • Make sure your desk is well lit
  • Keep background noise to a minimum
  • Avoid studying in an area where there will be distractions (like television!)
  • Have everything you need to do your revision to hand before you start
How to study
  • Turn your notes into revision tools;
    • write ideas and facts on to cards to use as ‘prompts’
    • write key facts/notes out and display these around the house where you will see them
    • record yourself reading notes to listen to. This may seem silly but it does help!
  • Study with a friend and test each other’s knowledge, but remember you are meeting to revise rather than to chat!
  • Work through past question papers – and use a watch to time them so that you can practise timing your answers.
  • Choose study and revision guides sensibly. It’s not hard to find help with revision – as well as established published revision guides, there are hundreds of websites offering help and advice. The problem is not how to find such help, but how to judge which is the best source for your needs. Save valuable time and get recommendations from your teachers
  • Remember course notes are also a valuable source of extra help
  • Keep yourself more alert by changing revision methods during a session. For instance, try switching from note taking to memorising; from reading to asking someone to test you
  • Attend any revision classes that your teachers may be running at school and get their advice on revision methods
  • Look after yourself – Sometimes revision can become a competition – who stayed up latest, who worked longest, who’s worrying the most. But the more tired you are the less efficiently you’ll work. You need to rest as well as study, eat well, drink lots of water and make sure you pace yourself. Don’t rush, and equally don’t over-revise by doing too much too soon