Plan, plan, plan!
I know it sounds tedious, but dividing up your subjects and how much time you want to spend on each of them will really help your revision in the long run. Not only will it give some structure to your revision days, but it will also help to make sure you don’t end up learning only half of each subject. But remember, if you don’t stick to the plan perfectly that’s ok! If you find yourself falling behind just regroup and adapt the plan.
Ace your space
The environment you’re working in is really important to ensure minimal distractions and making the most of your revision time. Big ‘no-no’s’ here are working in bed, with the TV on in the background or on a cluttered desk. Music is usually more of a distraction than an aid, but some people find classical music helps them concentrate. Try it out and see what works best for you!
The early bird catches the worm…
Sort out your sleeping schedule so you’re waking up earlier than 2pm! By starting revision in the morning, you can get a full day of work in and then relax in the evening with zero guilt.
Use the ‘Pomodoro Technique’
It can be hard to concentrate for long periods of time, so try using a timer to work solidly for 35 minutes, then have a 5 minute break to do whatever you want. By putting your phone in another room you can then stop yourself wasting time on it by only checking it in these 5-minute gaps. Maximum efficiency and you’re still in the loop on the group chat!
Utilise ‘Depth Processing’
The best way to incorporate this style of learning into your revision is to make notes of your notes, repeating the process as many times as you can manage. By rearranging your notes slightly every time, you can really solidify the memories and recall them with ease when you’re in the exam hall.
Spice it up
Colourful notes are much easier to visualise and remember, as well as being much more fun to write. But don’t make the mistake of obsessing over your notes looking perfect – it’s not worth it!
Massed vs. Spaced learning
Massed learning is the category most of us fall into when trying to revise. We sit down and try to cram large portions of information into our brains, not looking at it again until the exam. A much better way to learn facts is through spaced learning, where you learn something at the beginning of your revision period and then test yourself on it again at regular intervals, such as every few days, all the way up until the exam. By this point, it’ll be so lodged into your memory that you’ll walk into the exam confident that you know what you need to.
Make it meaningful
By associating the facts you’re trying to memorise with information that means something to you, your brain makes connections that make these facts much harder to forget. For example, to learn the Italian verb “to go” (andare) try to just remember the question: “And are you going to go?” Much easier!
Don’t be scared of failing
Just dive in and have a go at exam papers and practice essays. You’ll probably remember a lot more than you think you will and everything that you got wrong will have a greater chance of sticking in your memory for next time.
Treat yo’ self!
Rewarding yourself is one of the best ways to keep motivation levels up during the revision period. Rewards can be anything from an episode of your favourite show per lecture, coffee with your bestie when you finish that chapter or new shoes when you ace that past paper.
GOOD LUCK!