Embedded Files
Revising properly and effectively will help you fell prepared and ensure you do your best. Read through the tips below carefully and try to apply where possible.
- Break revision time down into 'bite size' chunks. When starting revision, revise for 10 minutes and then have a 10 minute break. Gradually build up revision time to 20-40 minutes. Any longer and the brain will become saturated and it will not retain any more information. If your mind starts to drift and you become restless, then that is when you need to stop and have a 10 minute break.
- Organise your revision time smartly. You may already know when you work best: perhaps in the morning, afternoon or evening. Capitalise on when you work best and plan your revision for then. This doesn't mean that you won't complete revision in for the rest of the day, but it does mean that you have capitalised on when is best for you. If you don't know when you work best, try and revise at different times in the day and you will soon identify then works best for you. Remember, when you revise may differ from your friends. This is normal and ok. It may mean you will not be able to see them as much as you may like to. This is something you will have to accept and remember it won't be forever!
- Plan your down time. If you work best in the morning then have something fun planned for the afternoon. If you work best in the afternoon, then have something fun planned in the morning. This will motivate you and feel like you are not just revising. Down time allows your brain to have a break too and be ready for further revision. This could include seeing friends, but it would be best if it was something active and outside.
- Organise your revision time. Once you know your optimum time to revise and for how long, you will be able to organise your revision into a schedule. This will help you to feel in control of your revision and have a clear path forwards. If you feel overwhelmed with revision then try to organise your time for the next couple of days. Once you find this works for you and you feel in control, you can then plan further ahead.
- Do not bury your head in the sand. Identify the subjects or areas that you feel least confident with and start with those. Remember, revise for 10 minutes, have a break and then return to it. Once you have started revision for these subjects, you will instantly feel better and in control. You will most likely realise you can recall a lot more than you thought!
- Don't forget about the subjects you feel confident in. You should continuously revisit subjects or topics even if you feel confident with them. By chunking your revision time, you are able to revise two or three subjects at a time. By revisisting topics or subjects you have previously revised, ensures you are retaining the information and knowledge.
- Do not revise with your phone! Leave your phone somewhere else or give it to someone who is at home with you. You will not be able to fully concentrate if your phone is near by - it is too much of a temptation. If you want to listen to music, then create a revision playlist and play it through a speaker or another device. You do not want to break up your revision before your scheduled break. If you want to time yourself then use a kitchen timer or watch instead!
Page updated
Report abuse