Preparing for exam success Outcomes: Develop awareness of different revision strategies Support your child to develop strategies

What the research says . . . . . Technique Description Practice testing Self-testing or taking practice tests Distributed practice Using a schedule of practice over a period of time Elaborative interrogation Coming up with an explanation to explain why a fact is true Self –explanation Explain how new information relates Explaining steps in problem solving Interleaved practice Schedule that mixed different kinds of problems in a single study session Summarisation Writing summaries of to-be learned materials Highlighting/underlining Marking important information Keyword Mnemonic Using key words and images to associate verbal materials Imagery for text Forming mental images of text while reading or listening Rereading Rereading test material Ask parents/ students to discuss what each of these techniques are and rate them as highly, medium or low effective.

Distributed practice

Planning a revision session

Distributed practice Break revision of subjects and topics up Short sessions Over a long period of time e.g. 10 minutes of flash cards, 3 times a week for 1 month is more effective than 2 hours cramming the night before Importance of a study timetable

Retrieval Practice

Quizzing (retrieval practice) Short answer quizzing Multiple choice quizzes Where can you find these questions BBC Bitesize, Make your own, revision guides, on line programme

Flashcards – Leitner system Make a set of card with definitions/facts/questions At least 3 boxes (every day/ Tues & Thurs/ Fri) Day one answer cards test yourself Correct cards go into next box, incorrect cards go back to daily box.

Flashcards - Buy index cards – online, Tesco, WH Smith Cut out bits of card work just as well

Revision cards must include… Summary of key concepts No full sentences In note form only Title Keywords At least one of the 4 options, maybe more

Your revision cards must include… On the other side you must write down 3 exam style question you think could come up in your exam

Example revision card

Graphic organisers e.g. mind maps Students need to restructure their notes

Cornell Notes

Working with students (1) Participate Just a minute Quizzing (use flashcards) (2) Ask questions/ Listen to them (3) Provide an environment for them to study (4) Encourage and praise (5) Don’t refer back to your experiences or those of siblings

Revision environment Clear table Space Quiet Comfortable No distractions

Managing anxiety Plan ahead – exam timetable Sleep pattern Eat sensibly Take breaks Stay hydrated Light exercise

Questions