Ideas and techniques to help you get the most from your revision time.

Ideas and techniques tohelp you get the most from your revision time

What is revision?It means actively looking over work on an ongoing basis:1. To remind you of things you have forgotten2. To make links with other learning so you have

the bigger picture3. To reinforce learning4. To identify what you don’t know5. To check understanding

Why revise?It reduce panic – gives you control and confidenceIt means that exams reflect what you can do, not what

you didn’t bother to do!It can help identify problem areasAchieve better results!

Where to start? When to do it?Work out how much time you have – being realistic.Don’t forget to factor in a bit of free time also!Take into account your ideal time day of work – work

out when you will best reviseBreak it down into manageable “chunks” e.g.

‘revising French verbs’ sounds more manageable than ‘revising for GCSEs’

Hints for an ideal revision area

Get the basics rightDo you know what you need to do?

What will be actually tested in the exam? (Revision list)What day is the exam? (Exam timetable)When does the exam start and how long is it?

Do you have the materials to do it?Exercise books, textbooks, foldersRevision guidesAccess to internet (websites)

If there are any gaps ask your subject teacher….

Learning Styles

Visual

Auditory

Kinaesthetic

Symbols

Text

Visual LearnersVisual learners have a preference for seen or

observed things e.g:

ImagesPicturesChartsDiagramsRecord information in words and symbolsColourWork from lists

Visual LearnersWhat can they do to revise?

Create cue cards and arrange them in orderHang notes on walls/doors/near desks…Re write notes/different subjects/topics in colourCreate models/charts/tables/mind mapsUse highlightersUse visual mnemonics

Auditory LearnersAuditory learners have a preference for:

ListeningHearing an explanation of something rather

than reading about itTalking/discussingBut, they are easily distracted by noise!!!!!

Auditory LearnersWhat can they do to revise?

Download and listen to podcastsRecord notes and play them backDiscuss with friendsSay facts over and over againMake a songRemember who said it!

Kinaesthetic Learners

Kinaesthetic learners have a preference for:Physical experienceTrying things outPhysical repetition e.g. flashcards

Kinaesthetic Learners

What can they do to revise?Copy notes over and over Go on interactive revision sitesSimultaneously talking-walking, walking-

readingMove hand and feet in rhythm Construct things whilst studying

What about all 3 learning styles? Revising can become boring! Your brain can feel like it is going to explode if

you create another cue card or listen to that podcast again!

Mix the INPUTS!!! – use more than one revision technique e.g.Create cue cardsStick them on the wallWalk around the house with themTalk them over with your family

Examples of revision strategies…

Final AdviceIt doesn’t need to be a marathon session; little and often is

usually best.

Recognise your own emotional state - if you are tense or worrying about something else, it might not be a good time to work.

Don’t be afraid to STOP if it isn’t going well. Try to work out what the difficulty is and when to come back together later.

Ask!

Work smart or work hard?!

Useful websiteswww.getrevising.co.uk

- lots of advice about revision

www.support4learning.org.uk- advice for parents about education

www.teachers.tv- you can watch videos aimed at teachers and pupils

online – there are revision programmes/ literacy and numeracy programmes on each week.