Mock Preparation
I’ve read all my notes but I can’t remember any of it! What is revision? It means actively looking over work on an on-going basis: To remind you of things you have forgotten To make links with other learning so you have the bigger picture To reinforce learning To identify what you don’t know To check understanding I’ve read all my notes but I can’t remember any of it!
Why bother? It reduces panic – gives you control and confidence It means that exams reflect what you can do, not what you didn’t bother to do! It can help identify problem areas Achieve better results!
1. Be clear about what you intend to achieve * Reassure yourself: you are good enough to get your OPTs, if you work effectively enough on the right things * Stay calm: panic, tears and despondency won’t help * Get organised * Be positive about what you are going to achieve, then set out to do it
2. Get in the zone!
3. Create a revision timetable A week in your life: Eat…sleep…socialise…relax…work…play Before you start planning, think about the commitments you already have, e.g. sporting clubs, family commitments, meal times, etc.
4. Re-visit material at LEAST 3 TIMES over a period of time = SPACING EFFECT:
5. Effective time management Which set of practice questions below will increase your learning (long-term retention of knowledge) the most? In exams, you need to retrieve different sets of knowledge from different topics for every single exam question This can be called MIXED PRACTICE
But I did revise! I read my notes! This is a common mistake – many people think revising is simply reading your information. You’ve got to DO something with the information for it to stick in your memory!
Six Simple Techniques 1. Condense 2. Highlight Record 4. Talk 5. Test 6. Time
6. The Testing Effect Research suggests the following: Study, Test, Test, Test Example: 1 hour study session = 15-20 minutes reviewing notes/note taking/mind maps etc.. + 40—45 minutes of testing yourself Studying material once and testing 3 times leads to about 80% improved retention than studying three times and testing once – do this OVER TIME (SPACING EFFECT) – it makes you THINK HARD
7. Get some sleep!
Stay calm!
Good luck! Make every day count!