Now, let's put your calendar and planners into practice
Let's start revising...
There are numerous ways to revise for an exam, and how to remember information effectively is very individual. However, here are some techniques below.
Flash Cards
Flashcards/Revision cards – an oldie but goodie – where you write down key facts, ideas, or theories on cards to prompt your memory. To use them most effectively, add colours, diagrams, graphics, and/or images to make them as engaging as possible. You different images and colours for various topics, or add the occasional doodle and logo. This will help trigger your memories, and keep you interested while revising.
It is best to:
Add questions
Write short questions on flash cards similar to the ones you will get in the exam to increase their effectiveness.
For example, instead of writing ‘Educational theories, ' you could write, ' What are the key educational theorists? ' The flash card can have one side with the question and the answer on the other side.
You can find out more about using questions here:
How To Make Effective Flashcards (That Actually Work) - Think Student
Post-it notes and repetition
Post-it notes are similar to flash cards except more detailed, and include techniques like colour, graphics, and acronyms. What makes Post-its effective is that:
The information will go into your short-term memory the first few times you read it, and then, after more repetition, and perhaps over several days, it will go into your longer-term memory — that’s why it is best to start revising early!
Mind Maps
Mind Maps are another tool that will make revising more visual and stimulating.
A mind map is a visual diagram of organising ideas around a subject or idea. So, you might put ‘Key educational theorists,’ make an arrow for each one and put their ideas in quick built-points, then an arrow for another theorist who took their concept further.
You could organise theorists with similar ideas in one area and opposing ones in another. Again, use colours, images, or doodles to trigger memories.
How to do it and examples can be found here:
What is Mind Mapping? What Are Its Uses? | Mindmaps.com
How to use flashcards for revision - Exams and Revision | Birmingham City University (bcu.ac.uk)
Revision techniques from BBC Bitesize - BBC Bitesize
Revision guides and websites
Your library has a wide selection of revision guides, like the CGP guides.
Talk to your tutor or a Librarian to ensure you have the correct guide. The revision guides are often more condensed and engaging and work nicely alongside your lecture notes.
A wide range of online websites and YouTube pages will help greatly, especially if you need a quick answer or are pushed for time. However, it is up to you to ensure they cover the correct material and are up to date for your examination. Here are some good examples below:
GCSE - GCSE - England - BBC Bitesize
GCSE Physics – Freesciencelessons
GCSE Biology – Freesciencelessons
GCSE Chemistry – Freesciencelessons
GCSE Maths – HegartyMaths & WrightMaths
GCSE Computer Science – Computer Science Tutour
GCSE English – Mr Bruff & Mr Salles Teaches English
GCSE PE – Ladybridge PE
Go through Past Papers
Going through past papers and testing yourself with them is very important, as it will familiarise you with the question style and highlight any gaps in your knowledge.
Use your breaks effectively
Walking around, having a power nap (up to 30 minutes), talking to a friend or family member, or watching something funny on your breaks will give your brain a break.
Send an alarm or timer to remind you to resume your revision schedule (and when to take a break). This is especially important if you lose track of time.
Try to get into a regular sleeping pattern. Remember that your exam may be in the morning, so it’s best not to get into the habit of revising late and sleeping late, as you will most likely struggle to get to sleep on the night of your exam.