Here are a few great websites/blogs I found here, here, here and here.
My top techniques to help me revise are:
- Organisation
Make a timetable and stick to it! Schedule in school/college including free periods. Add in 10 minute breaks for every 45 minutes of revision.
- Distractions
Take away phones, laptops and any other distractions. Clean up the work space such as a desk or kitchen table.
- Learning styles - Take this test to find out about Multiple Intelligences
Visual - Mind maps, flash cards, highlighted notes, diagrams.
Kinesthetic - Create songs, associate words with actions.
Auditory - Listen to music, listen to podcasts, record yourself reading notes and replay them.
- Rewrite notes
When I get home from college I try to rewrite my notes from each of my classes so that the information stays fresh in my mind. Repetition also helps to retain information. I also like to make sure I fully understand the notes I've made and maybe go back to the textbook, use AQA's website or other revision sites to enhance my notes. Reading around the subject is really important, especially at university when you're expected to read more in and around the subject without the tutor/lecturer's advice.
- Highlight notes/hand outs
I highlight the key words in my notes and hand outs and then rewrite them on flash cards that I can test myself from.
- Past Papers
I always find past papers on the AQA website really helpful and write out the questions so that I can answer them and ask my teachers to mark them for me.
- Model Answers
I write out the full-marked answers so that I can highlight and take key points from. I then revise and review them so I know what to expect in the exam.
Separate from revising and studying, I always go to bed early the night before my exams. It's good to get at least 8 hours sleep on any night especially the night before. It is also important to drink water before and during the exam and eating a good breakfast that is full of protein to keep your brain active. Some people like to chew gum or mints during the exam because it is (apparently) good for your brain (according to scientific research!) I would also advise to chew gum or mints while revising because your brain will associate this in the exam with your revision and you'll be able to recall what you've studied quicker.
Remember to include the most obvious points in your answers. It might seem silly but it'll boost your marks and you might even go up a grade. Also, remember to do your best because exams and grades do not define you as a person, they are only a small aspect of your life and it won't be the end of the world if you don't get the results you were aiming for.
My first exam is tomorrow (Geography) so I'm now going to review my notes before watching Broadchurch (Series 2, Episode 2) and then getting a good night's sleep.
That's it for now,
Kazia x
Separate from revising and studying, I always go to bed early the night before my exams. It's good to get at least 8 hours sleep on any night especially the night before. It is also important to drink water before and during the exam and eating a good breakfast that is full of protein to keep your brain active. Some people like to chew gum or mints during the exam because it is (apparently) good for your brain (according to scientific research!) I would also advise to chew gum or mints while revising because your brain will associate this in the exam with your revision and you'll be able to recall what you've studied quicker.
Remember to include the most obvious points in your answers. It might seem silly but it'll boost your marks and you might even go up a grade. Also, remember to do your best because exams and grades do not define you as a person, they are only a small aspect of your life and it won't be the end of the world if you don't get the results you were aiming for.
My first exam is tomorrow (Geography) so I'm now going to review my notes before watching Broadchurch (Series 2, Episode 2) and then getting a good night's sleep.
That's it for now,
Kazia x
