Wednesday, 12 October 2016

Revision Tips

These days schools pile work onto us, so much in fact that it's completely overwhelming. And on top of all the homework, and all the schoolwork we are expected to finish and perfect, we end up with so many tests and exams to revise for. It can all bit a bit stressful, and over the years I've tried to master some really good techniques to cramming it all in your head. Obviously I don't have all the best expertise, but yknow, there's no harm in me sharing my tips and tricks to acing an exam :)
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Tip Number One
WRITE IT OUT. It seems obvious, but when I just read through my notes from my lessons, it doesn't really stick in my head like it should. I love to write anyway, so when I feel I need a refresh of all the difficult facts, I find it's a good idea to just write it all out from my book, and then read through that. Be careful though, it's most useful when you reword what you wrote before, so your brain has to work that little bit, and its not just copying. Its normally now that someone might say you should write it out with a pen, or typing is better, but I personally feel its all down to personal preference. I prefer pen and paper, I like to use different colours of pen, it makes me more motivated and in the mood, but I understand that typing is quicker, and can help you remember a lot more for some people.
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Tip Number Two
FLASHCARDS. I'll admit, I'm not a master at these. I only started them recently but they are a GREAT IDEA. There are two main ways of doing these, I favour one a lot more than the other. I think the traditional way is to write a question or statement or subject of some sort on one side and then the answer or correct explanation on the other. Then you can test yourself by asking yourself the question, answering it and then flipping over and checking yourself. It's a great way to do things if you are alone without a friend to test you. However my favourite way is where I just write a subheading of the topic on the top of each card, and then follow it with all the information underneath. Then all I have to do is read through it to secure it on my mind, which is great on the go.Image result for revision flash cards

Tip Number Three 
HIGHLIGHTER. This was is a bit controversial. Studies on the internet have stated that highlighter is not actually the best for linking points together. So if you are revising something that really requires that, you might wanna ignore this one. However, for me highlighter is great for simply highlighting important parts on my flashcards, in my notes and on my diagrams. That way when I'm scanning through all the keyboards stand ou to me, an it helps me remember them under exam conditions.
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Tip Number Four
STICKY NOTES. This one is pretty self explanatory. These things are so great for adding key pieces of information, summing up important points, and organising your notes better. You can get these in arrange of colours, and I also recommend using little sticky tabs for your books and folders. This means you can colour code different subjects and easily flip to a certain page or subject.
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Tip Number Five 
KEEP IT ALL ORGANISED. I don't know about you, but a neat desk filled with supplies is a whole lot more motivating than a pile of scribbles notes and ripped flashcards. If you keep all that stuff neat and tidy, your thoughts will be too, and it will be better to stay on task and keep focused. Try to write neatly, have a nice plan in mind and keep on task, and I swear it will be a lot less pressure. I know it seems obvious, but from previous experience I know how easy it is to lose track of your schedule, and generally get anxious and stressed out. Get your stuff out, crank up the Spotify, and get it DONE.
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