Revision Tips 101
- Jennifer Yu
- Nov 24, 2016
- 4 min read
StartFragmentExams coming soon, huh?
Need a tip or two with revision? No worries, our ambassadors have few that might help!
1. Make a Plan- and stick with it!
Plan, plan, plan. Making a plan might be the most efficient way to schedule the time you have for revision. By marking out which days you have time to revise and other days where you’re extra busy, you’ll be able to have a clear head when it gets down to the week before your exam.
It’s best to make a daily/weekly schedule so you can easily allocate which times to revise which subjects. Defining how you're going to study each subject helps more than you think. For example "I'm studying Chemistry" is pretty vague, and you're going to spend valuable time in your study session figuring out how to study Chemistry.
Instead, writing down "I'm going to time myself on a pastpaper" will have you prepare all materials needed beforehand, and make productive use of your revision time.
2. Stay Organised
The best way anyone can help themselves is by staying organised. I don’t mean clearing out your bedroom once a year, or sorting out your school files every now and then. I mean having a constant, organised system. By clearing out your files at least once a week, you’ll have everything in place and just where you need it- you’ll thank yourself when it comes to the day before exams because you’ll be the one who has everything in place!
3. Analyzing your Study Environment
I know that this may be fickle to say, but study spaces matter. Whether you’re a clean or messy worker, having a clean, well lit environment just puts you in the mood to study. Some experts even say it affects the flow of information into your brain. So get everything you need on your table, and get rid of anything else.
Don't forget about posture! It is best to study in an upright, comfortable position. Remember- don’t get too comfortable; don’t end up lying down on your couch because that will just result in laziness and procrastination.
4. Study Hard or Study Smart?
Experts believe studying smart is often more important than studying hard, as students need to understand what study methods suit them best and apply accordingly.
There are many different ways you can study to make it an experience more catered to your needs. Some people believe writing out notes helps, others see notecards as a useful tool. In studying, you have to be open to trying out new study methods and finding the one that suits you best.
5. Breaking Bad - or actually Good?
Breaks matter for your brain to take a rest in absorbing information. Which is why you must take them in a step to boosting productivity.
A common break technique is the “Pomodoro Technique”. This method involves having 25 minute interval study periods with 5 minute breaks. This technique is not only a quick and easy way to improve your productivity, science has shown it is tied to self-accountability and lower procrastination levels.
6. Reduce distractions
The hardest part of revision, and studying in general, is starting. Yes, you might nail the preparation process, but actually getting down to business is tough, especially with so many distractions.
It's very often you spot your hand is gravitating towards your laptop, phone or whatever is tempting you- and without a doubt, it’s extremely easy to start procrastinating. When you start to feel the itch of your hand slowly, so slowly reaching towards your procrastination device, it can be hard to hold yourself back. That's why, it's always best to switch off these devices before your sessions for better productivity.
7. Study apps are here to help!
If you’ve procrastinated before (I’m sure that everyone has), you probably want to get out of this tempting, vicious cycle. It’s easy to get side-tracked, and before you know it, you’re already on the third procrastination site, scrolling through your friend’s mother’s brother’s Facebook profile.
This is where study applications come in. “Self Control” is a free app that basically “black-list’s” sites that you want to temporarily block. Insert the URL of the website, set the time you want to be free of distractions and you’re good to go!
But study apps aren't just about self-control, there are other apps that quiz you, help you form notes, gather information, and do much more. Our ambassadors will look into the topic in a future article.
8. Don't revoke rewards
"The Power of Habit" is an interesting read by Charles Duhigg, a NY Times Reporter. The book goes into the science of habit, and how habits can only be formed with "cues, routines and rewards".
Just as you establish a routine of study, it really helps to give yourself rewards for completing tasks on your study list, whether it means getting to watch an episode of your favourite TV show, going for a nice walk or giving yourself a good treat.
Some people actually unconsciously rewards themselves, for example, by studying at a coffee shop, where the jazzy music and well-deserved cappuccino becomes your reward.
9. "Believe" - Justin Bieber
Remind yourself that success is literally just around the corner, and you can do well. Just as you follow the words of JB and believe in yourself, you will succeed.
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