The thing that dictates many students’ futures.  Exams. And they’re right around the corner, so how can we effectively prepare for them?

 

First and foremost, by having a good space to revise in. For example the library down the road, or a quiet room in your home, or even your favourite coffee shop. Making sure that you are in a place that is free of distractions is incredibly important for ensuring that you are in complete and utter concentration. This also means that switching off your phone when you’re revising is vital. 

 

However, what is the best way to revise to ensure that the what can feel like an overwhelming amount of information, is retained? Why, do I have the answer for you!

 

Before you do anything, it is best to have a plan for what you want to do and when. By outlining the topics that you need to study, and specifying certain days to do them, ensures that everything gets completed. Although many may organise this simply by order of when you studied it, it is recommended that you start with the things you are worse at, even if it may seem painful (Perseverance is key!)

 

I find that apps such as ‘Flora,’ are especially helpful when revising. You can do it with friends, plus you plant trees for each session you complete.(Jessica Warner, 17)

 

So now that we have a revision schedule, what do we do now? Why, now it’s time to do the hard part- revision! The best method, as advised by teachers and specialists, is spaced repetition. This means revisiting the material at regularly spaced intervals, for example once an hour, once a day, or every three days. A method that seems to work most effectively (especially if you happen to be cramming for your exam a couple weeks before) is the ‘2,3,5,7’ rule.

 

This entails testing yourself the day after, after three days, after five days and then a week later. This keeps the information fresh in your mind and allows it to be more easily recalled.

 

A good way of testing yourself is blurting and flashcards. Blurting means writing down everything you can remember on the topic on a blank piece of paper. You will then check your notes and add in what you missed in a preferably different colour. After a set amount of time, you will try again, hopefully retaining more information. 

 

You can use flashcards to remember certain bits of information. You can put a question on one side and an answer on the other, and then ask someone else (if they’re available), to ask you the questions so that you can test yourself.

 

However, the best way to make sure that all this information is retained is by taking regular breaks and making sure to leave time to do things that you enjoy, for balance is the most important thing overall.