The Many Faces of Revision…

No surprises… YOU should know: WHAT you need to learn WHEN / HOW you will be assessed and make sure your revision is planned and you make links between concepts Teachers model HOW to learn / revise HOW to test yourself WHERE to go for help

Method Study Cycle Motivation

Method

Phase 2: possibly make revision notes Phase 1: Read Passive revision What do most students do? Revision workbook Own notes Text book refresher Relevant websites e.g. quizlet Exam Phase 2: possibly make revision notes Flashcards Revision book Mind maps Graphic organisers Hope knowledge has stuck enough to answer an exam question and be successful

What should students do? Phase 4 RAG knowledge Phase 1: Read What should students do? Red – no knowledge – learn again – maybe try a different technique Amber – good factual knowledge but can’t apply to an exam question Green – can answer exam questions on this topic confidently Revision workbook Own notes Text book refresher Relevant websites e.g. quizlet now focus on your red topics – be effective and target revision Active revision cycle Exam Practise – short / long answer questions Quiz yourself (flash cards / quizlet – other online quizzes) Timed exam practise Essay plans for longer questions Phase 2: make revision notes – learn content Gojimo Graphic organisers Quizlet Mnemonics Cornell notes Post it note revision Flashcards Revision book Read, cover, write, check Mind maps Phase 3: test yourself

The Thinking Hard Devices Knowledge and understanding Reduce Transform Deconstruct Derive Analysis and application Prioritise Categorise Criticise Trends and patterns Practise Flexibility of thinking Make connections Compare Extend

What does the evidence tell us? Practice testing Distributed practice (the opposite of cramming – spread revision throughout the course) Interleaved practice (mixing different kinds of material within a study session) Elaborative interrogation (explaining why a fact / concept is correct) Self-explanation (explaining how information is connected) Summarising – but successful when students are shown how to summarise Imagery for text – not applicable to a wide range of subjects Mnemonics – but useful for short-term memory Rereading – although it is the most commonly used Highlighting – can actually harm student performance/ability to make inferences TOP 3 PRACTICES Dunlosky et al 2013

End revision with the first exam: Layered learning: Students must go through the same subject material at least 3 times There are 3 layers – each time the subject gets revised, but it becomes quicker as knowledge is retained: Layer 1: thorough – time to go through the harder areas so the YOU thoroughly understand them. Read chapters from book/specification/knowledge organisers. This layer takes the longest Layer 2: moderate – preparation for the exam itself – should not be learning new material. Past papers are one of the most effective revision tools and should be introduced at this stage Layer 3: brief - around 1-2 weeks before the exam – condense to notes to 20%. Skim read mock papers and mark schemes – refamiliarising End revision with the first exam:

Study Cycle

Intent Action Maintenance

Motivation

X PERFECT

What will we do?

No surprises… YOU should know: WHAT you need to learn WHEN / HOW you will be assessed and make sure your revision is planned and you make links between concepts Teachers model HOW to learn / revise HOW to test yourself WHERE to go for help

What can you do?

Get ahead! - copy their timetable, talk to them about their revision plan, how is it setout, what times work for them BUT only if they want you to Plan realistically – little and often Learn what works for your child will have certain styles/ways that suit them Plan for breaks and have snacks they enjoy at home and for school Stay positive! Glass half full – try not to “nag” Healthy food and snacks Take breaks – get them outside, hobbies, exercise and away from technology (!) Establishing a specific location to revise – a good study space is key – calm relaxed and focused – have boundaries BUT discuss with your child – key is they need to take ownership