S4 PSE Overcoming Barriers to successful study Exam Tips Understanding the Exam Question

Overcoming Barriers to revision – Activity 1 Brainstorm factors that can prevent you or other pupils from being able to revise or learn effectively.

Activity 1 continued - Overcoming barriers to revision One person should be the advisor and the other the student. The student should choose 2 barriers to revision that they have come up with and the advisor should give advice on how to overcome these barriers. Swap roles

Overcoming Barriers to Effective Revision Poor organisation Confusing notes to revise from Nowhere to revise Study timetables/action plans/to do lists Use bbc bitesize/how to pass revision books/ask teacher for clear set of notes Find a small area that can be used as personal study space/use the local library

Overcoming Barriers to Effective Revision Thinking you cant do it Cramming and feeling you have too much to revise Not knowing how to revise Reflect on the positive, what have you achieved in the past, reflect on strengths. Start revising early – use effective planning Try out different methods that have been taught at school. Be actively involved in study. Find a method that suits you.

Overcoming Barriers to Effective Revision Leaving it too late Bad memory Hating revision Take control, stop that from happening START NOW Try out memory games, mnemonics, acronyms, make up rhymes and stories to help you to remember Try and make it enjoyable by using different strategies and materials. Revise with friends and family, get them to test you. Set your challenges/targets so that you feel a sense of achievement. Think about why you are revising, what you will gain from it

Overcoming Barriers to Effective Revision Not enough time Other things to do Make time – have a plan which incorporates your extra curricular activities and free time as well as your study time Think about the importance of revising, what is in it for you, what are the benefits

Exam tips Read instructions carefully. Where possible do your best questions first Look at the number of marks a question is worth Dress for comfort Don’t let one bad experience influence affect how you feel about yourself and the exams

Exam tips When tackling long questions, plan them first. A mind map is a good way to do this. Underline the important words in a long question – this will help you break down the question and check that you have answered all parts to it If you start to feel really stressed try some deep breathing exercises Go to the exam early Make sure you have all the equipment that you need Don't spend too long on one question

Activity 2 – Understanding the exam question Understanding key terms is very important if you are going to do well in exams Examiners often report that students fail to understand what a question is asking them to do. SQA have stated that this is one of the main reasons why young people fail their exams If you have a better understanding of key words you are more likely to focus on the right way of answering the question

Activity 2 continued - Understanding the exam question In your pack you have a list of key exam style words that would be used in questions Work in pairs and match these words with their definitions.

TERMS DEFINITIONS Analyse Compare Illustrate Outline State Summarise Review Clarify Comment on Look very closely at the detail Say how things are the same and different Give examples to make your points clear Describe without too much detail. Give main features Present the information clearly but briefly Using your own words, bring together main points Go over the whole think picking out the important parts to give your opinion on Make it simple and clear Give your opinion or point of view

TERMS DEFINITIONS Consider Demonstrate Describe Discuss Contrast Explain Take into account. What are your thoughts about it Show using lots of examples Give a detailed account of something as it is. You do not need to give your opinion on it Give important reasons for and against and come to a conclusion Show how things are different Make the information clear by giving reasons for it