Getting ready for exams is a rather difficult process, particularly if there are numerous subjects to cover. There comes a time when one will have been doing the same revision on and off without learning any valuable information at all, especially when it comes to the exam period. The good thing about all this is that even long hours of studying may not help much. What you need is the correct method of revising.
Research on learning and memory shows that active practice, self-testing, and reviewing topics over time are much more effective than simply re-reading notes.
In a well-known study published in Psychological Science, students who repeatedly tested themselves remembered over 60% of the material one week later, while those who only re-read their notes remembered around 40%. This shows that active recall helps move information from short-term memory to long-term memory, making it much easier to remember during exams.
1. Create a Revision Timetable
A proper revision plan will keep you well organized, helping you revise all subjects before your exams. It also gives you enough time to make flashcards from notes, complete practice questions, and review key topics without rushing.
Rather than spending a whole day learning only one subject, spend shorter intervals throughout the week learning the subject. Spend most of the time learning about the difficult subjects, even when revising the ones you already understand.
While creating the timetable:
- Set yourself realistic goals daily.
- Study at the same time every day if possible.
- Take regular breaks.
- Leave time for practice tests and revision as well.
Using a timetable helps to eliminate stress because you know what you should revise every day.
2. Use Active Recall
Active recall is perhaps one of the most powerful revision strategies that can be used.
It is not recommended to make changes to your notes, but to close the book and try to remember all the information that was provided by those notes. One can recall all information either through writing, repeating verbally, or answering questions without looking at one’s notes.
For example, after studying the process of photosynthesis, the following questions can be answered:
- “What is photosynthesis?”
- “The significance of the topic.”
- “The processes of photosynthesis.”
If you cannot answer the above-listed questions, it is evident that you need to go back and study the material you have not grasped.
3. Make use of the Spaced Repetition Technique
Students like to learn everything about the exam on the eve of the examination day. It is because most of the things that students learn are forgotten soon. The spaced repetition technique consists of learning the same things after some time intervals.
- Day 1 – study the topic.
- Day 2 – repeat what has been learned the previous day.
- Day 5 – repeat once again.
- Day 10 – repeat.
- Day 20 – repeat.
This technique makes your memories of the information last much longer, sometimes even months. It is one of the most effective techniques of long-term learning.
4. Complete Previous Exam Questions
Having all the required knowledge is only half of the battle to pass the exam successfully. In addition, one needs to be able to answer the exam questions.
Completing previous papers allows you to:
- Understand the structure of the questions.
- Learn time management techniques.
- Discover the gaps in your knowledge.
- Boost your confidence.
It is forbidden to have access to your notes when answering questions during an examination. After completing it, review all of your mistakes and find out their causes. The more practice tests you do, the easier it becomes to cope with the examination.
5. Finish the Task with the Pomodoro Method
Several hours of continuous work without making any pauses might make you tired and lower your efficiency. The Pomodoro method helps you be efficient by splitting up the process of work into separate pieces.
For instance:
- Work for 25 minutes.
- Make a break for 5 minutes.
- And repeat this cycle 4 times.
- After that, take a break for 20-30 minutes.
6. Describe Topics in Simple Language
One of the simplest means of knowing whether or not you have grasped the topic is through describing it just like how you would when you are explaining to another individual. Imagine you are tutoring a fellow student who knows absolutely nothing about this particular topic.
In case there are parts that you struggle with while explaining, then you must take note of those parts that you should focus on more. This approach will ensure that you have understood concepts as opposed to merely memorizing them.
7. Use Flashcards and Mind Maps
Various disciplines may require various study strategies. Flashcards will be useful for such topics as:
- Definitions
- Formulas
- Dates
- Vocabulary
- Important facts
On the other hand, mind maps may come in handy for those topics that are related to idea connections. You may also use the active recall strategy while studying, using flashcards and mind maps.
The latter can be used in combination with digital flashcard applications that help you learn via spaced repetition. Many students also use note-taking, focus timer, and productivity apps on their iPhones and iPads. If a particular app is distributed as an IPA file rather than through the App Store, iosscarlet can be used to download and install compatible IPA applications on supported iOS devices, giving users access to additional study tools that fit their workflow.
8. Learn Diverse Topics
Learning one particular topic for a considerable time might appear as an efficient practice, but the brain acquires information by shifting from one relevant topic to another.
This technique is referred to as interleaving.
Examples include:
- Learning mathematics for 45 minutes.
- Switching to biology.
- Revising history.
- Shifting from one topic to another helps the brain learn and process information actively.
However, even though it may be challenging, research has revealed that changing topics ensures better outcomes compared to focusing on one topic for several hours.
9. Remain Healthy
Good health is required by the brain for its normal functioning. Thus, during examination periods, remember to:
- Get a sufficient amount of sleep – 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Consume enough water.
- Eat healthy food.
- Exercise.
- Have breaks from your studying.
The reason why people should always ensure that they get adequate sleep is due to the fact that the brain builds memories during sleep time. If one does not sleep enough and studies all night, their concentration will be adversely affected.
10. Stay Positive and Manage Exam Stress
Exam nerves are very common and perfectly natural. Do not get preoccupied with what the outcome of the test will be; rather, concentrate on what you can do today.
Several tips will help you to relax a little bit:
- Revising well ahead of time.
- Breaking up big topics into small ones.
- Practicing deep breathing.
- Not comparing yourself with other people.
- Treat yourself for having achieved your academic goals.
Common Revision Mistakes to Avoid
However, some diligent learners also resort to ways of studying that do not contribute to memorization of information.
Do not fall into the following traps:
- Reviewing the notes continuously without self-testing.
- Marking everything that comes across your eyes.
- Trying to learn all the material the night before the exam.
- Working without any pauses.
- Ignoring complicated subjects.
- Sleeping inadequately before the exam.
- Failing to do the previous exams’ tasks.
Rephrasing these study techniques will help you significantly improve the efficiency of your study process.
Final Thoughts
Revision should not be considered in terms of putting in the maximum number of hours. Good revision consists of applying methods of studying that would facilitate the learning process of your brain.
Applying all the mentioned revision techniques, including scheduling revision time, applying active recall, spacing repetition, working on past papers, taking regular breaks, breaking up the topic, and being healthy, will help you understand the subject matter and be ready for the exam.
Use all the techniques right away, adhere to them, and remember that regular short-term revisions are much more effective than cramming before the test.
