Recommended Reading
When I was doing my revision I consulted study guides and did not find the endorsements for the methods I thought appropriate. I chose a different approach and this worked for me. Here, I set out ways in which this idea can be applied. I cannot say it will benefit all, but here are my observations. I hope it helps, but above all, good luck!!!
1. Take the ceilings off !
Before anything else, believe in your own ability & aptitude. If you think you’ll do badly then you probably will
2. Preparation
Even if it’s not assessed, do the coursework (i.e. 2k essays). While these probably bear no direct relevance to 2nd year results, they are invaluable for Easter revision
3. Choose the appropriate number of topics
For an exam with 2 questions learn 3 topics. Remember 2 is risky and so too, is 5
4. Start at the beginning of Easter (at least)
It can be done later but people tend to panic – better to give up that holiday – work through and start dreaming of summer. As someone pointed out – “It’s only two months of my life”
5. If you can, work in a group
But choose your colleagues carefully. If they’re not motivated then there’s no point
Set aims and objectives. i.e. what do you expect to get out of the group experience?
Set ground rules. Everyone will become tetchy at times. After all it’s a very stressful time. Don’t take it personally. Also, don’t get sidetracked. Who’s sleeping with who is all very well but it won’t impress the examiner!
Assign roles. Is someone a leader?
Be respectful and always listen. Even if they’re wrong, it’s important that they verbalise
Be supportive. Most people have doubts so don’t confirm them by ignoring their contribution. Basically give lashings of praise and, if possible, give them time to explain their thoughts
Don’t do reading or learning in a group environment. That’s pointless – it would be better to do as homework.
REMEMBER: group working is slower but information tends to be processed more deeply and other members can help maintain momentum
6. Structure your time
This is obvious really. There’s no point having a chinwag with friends or sitting in front of your computer or book thinking about the shopping. If you can’t focus then try a reward system. If this fails then give up for the day
Use a timetable
7. Use as many techniques as you can
Don’t be precious (if it doesn’t work, abandon it and try something else)
Mind maps; notes; reading; short questions; CD ROM, etc…
Verbalise your knowledge
Be confident and wrong (but always be prepared to change your mind)
‘Come up off the page’ – test yourself and others without textbooks. Even if you’re wrong this process will help you see the flaws in your argument
If possible, go cross curricula/subject/topic
If your use this in an exam, this will show the marker that you really do understand
8. Analyse your knowledge
Identify and work on your weak areas
Spend a disproportionate amount of time on weaknesses (draw diagrams if this helps)
9. Process the knowledge deeply
If you’re not a rote kid then make it meaningful
This will: make info available to other questions & provide ability to apply info
Basically, it will become knowledge rather than data
Remember: criticism is often misunderstood. To be critical means to evaluate. What’s good as well as what’s bad.
Start evaluating everything and learn general criticisms
e.g. correlation does not equal …
10. Make the information interesting
Frankly, some topics will probably bore the pants off you. However, find something – perhaps one idea that interests you and get excited. While this sounds daft, if you’re interested then you can own it
Remember: intelligence will only take you to the door – MOTIVATION is the key
11. Test yourself in the same mode that you will be tested… e.g.
timed stats tests
timed essays
12. Question spot
Get past papers but listen to lecturers they may say something different
Write and learn essay plans
If possible, ask a friendly lecturer to mark your timed essays
Choose carefully and approach even more carefully!
Mark each other’s work
Rem: you will probably be harder than the marker
But: do not spare anyone’s feelings or your own – the point here is to maximise everybody’s score and increase your understanding of what’s expected
Remember: description usually scores a 2:2 so practice evaluating/criticising
13. Problems in the exam – your question doesn’t come up
Most importantly, DON’T PANIC
Do the stronger question first
This will allow your mind to think about the problem
Do NOT spend longer on your stronger question (keep to the 45 minutes allotted)
Remember if there are 2 questions each is worth 50% so spending extra time may score an extra 5% (2.5% overall) whereas getting as much down about the weaker question should score at least 40/50% (20-25% overall)
14. Strategy
Think about what you think most people will do and add something
“Smart revision”
