Revision isn’t something that comes naturally to some of you so we asked our Advice and Wellbeing Team what top tips they’d give you to help make the most of out your revision time.
They work to something called ‘WELL’ which stands for Wellbeing, Environment, Learn and Leave time for breaks. Let’s have a look at how this technique can help you study:
WELLBEING
Before we start talking all things flash cards and mind maps, it’s important you remember the importance of your wellbeing and take time to look after yourself:
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Keep active
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Get enough sleep
We know you hear these things all the time but looking after your physical and mental health really will help you perform at your best when revising (and for the exam too!)
ENVIRONMENT
It’s important that you have a dedicated space where you can revise and work without distraction. Whether that means retreating to your bedroom or speaking with those you live with about a quiet space where you can study without interruption.
Think about what things you may need to study so that you have them ready and prepared before you start, for example pens, highlighters, post-it notes, paper, subject resources and textbooks or access to a device.
Remember: spending time trying to find your favourite highlighter does not count as time spent revising, even if we really believe it does because the colours mean EVERYTHING.
LEARN
Start revising early to avoid feeling that last minute panic. By doing this, you will be allowing yourself and your brain the time to gain a better understanding of the topic before the exam takes place.
Think about what topics you need to revise. Look back on lecture notes and tutorial content, so you can have a clear understanding of what may come up on the exam.
Practice past papers. This is a great way of getting used to how questions are worded, and you’ll be able to gain understanding of the expectations of your answers. Does the question require a short answer where key information should be concisely written, or does the question require a long essay-based response in which case more detail will be required to gain marks?
Create a timetable. By planning ahead, you can help organise and manage your time wisely to ensure you’re spending enough time all the subjects you need to for your exam(s).
Think about how you like to learn. It’s not likely everyone enjoys or can sit and simply read information then learn and remember everything; make your revision time interactive.
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If you are a visual learner, you may like to try using mind maps
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Like to learn by doing practical things? Try colour-coded flash cards or post it notes that you can move around and put in an order that helps you remember them.
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There may be online resources you can watch and take notes from.
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Test yourself; once you have studied a section of information, cover it up and see how much you can write about it. Find what works for you to help you learn.
Chunking areas of revision. Instead of trying to recall large amounts of information, see if you can break it down into smaller manageable chunks and group it in a meaningful way that helps you to remember it.
Personal tutor. Remember, as part of your course you will have access to support from your personal tutor. If you are struggling or have any questions about your revision techniques, contact them and see if they can help support with your learning strategies.
Use the DMU library service. We cannot advise this tip enough, the library is not just about book loans and printing, it has so much guidance and information you can tap into such as CLaSS, online video resources, as well as study skills tutorials and workshops - just visit the DMU library website and look for yourself here.
LEAVE TIME FOR BREAKS, LITTLE REWARDS AND THINGS YOU ENJOY
Make time for regular breaks, get up and move away from the area you are studying in. Reward yourself with a hot drink, a walk or a chat and catch up with a friend, relative or someone you live with. It’s important to maintain a balance and continue to schedule in things you like doing as sometimes revising can feel isolating. Plus when you feel more relaxed it can help you process the information you have just learned, so you may feel better in remembering it!
Remember- Get smart, revise WELL!
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