The Art of Procrastination Revision

DELAY DO

How does the brain learn (Scientific America Nov 2011 Heidi Johansen-Berg) Imagine trying to remember the name of a new teacher, a tall, bearded man we’ll call Mr Joe. Your brain needs to form an association between a complex visual image and a name, which are encoded by different groups of neurons in various parts of your brain. Every time you are introduced to Mr. Joe, these sets of neurons fire simultaneously, strengthening the synaptic pathway that connects them. Next time you spot a tall, bearded man coming down the corridor, you will easily greet Mr. Joe because the visual image will be strongly linked with his name.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

What NOT to do … Do not stare at a book or your notes or a wiki page, pretending that if you read it through again it will stay in your brain. Do not believe the myth that you can ‘multi-task’ while revising … ie on the phone, Facebook or whatever at the same time.

1.Plan a revision timetable of 1-3 hour sessions with breaks in between. Set yourself (realistic) targets for each revision session, Like “I will revise Topic 1.1 bones”, NOT “I will revise SEHS”.

MONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAYSUNDAY May

2. Learn the command words for questions, and definitions of key terms.command words for questionsdefinitions of key terms

3. Make a list of recurring mistakes you have made on previous tests or other responses to IB-style questions.

4. Convert your notes, previous test responses, homeworks etc into mind maps or bullet points with sub-headings – see the last few slides for good examples of this.

5. If it works for you, team up with a friend and test each other.

If you want a separate notebook to record your revision notes, please ask for one!

Where you revise Away from distractions (including TV, Facebook, your phone, noisy friends) but somewhere you find comfortable and can concentrate …

Using index cards: Example 1

Using index cards: Example 2

… or notes on file paper

/infographic-write-it-down/

What seems to work with a lot of students Make summary notes Under line keywords using color Put an image next to it Re-write or test yourself on it 3 times Come back to it later (next day, two days) Test yourself 3 times on it Come back to it later (next week) Test yourself

What to study Topic 1: the skeletal and muscular system (and joints) Section A – 20 Multiple choice questions Section B – short answer questions

Re-read my notes I’ve tested myself I know it Outline the general characteristics common to muscle tissue Distinguish between the different types of muscle Annotate the structure of skeletal muscle Define the terms origin and insertion of muscles. 1.Identify the location of skeletal muscles in various regions of the body.

Links with Quizlet.com

Command terms: Objective 1 DefineGive the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity DrawRepresent by means of a labeled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines LabelAdd labels to a diagram. ListGive a sequence of brief answers with no explanation MeasureObtain a value for a quantity StateGive a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation

Command terms: Objective 2 AnnotateAdd brief notes to a diagram or graph ApplyUse an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue. CalculateObtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working DescribeGive a detailed account DistinguishMake clear the differences between two or more concepts or items EstimateObtain an approximate value IdentifyProvide an answer from a number of possibilities OutlineGive a brief account or summary

Command terms: Objective 3 AnalyzeBreak down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure CommentGive a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation. CompareGive an account of similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout ConstructDisplay information in a diagrammatic or logical form DiscussOffer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence DetermineObtain the only possible answer DesignProduce a plan, simulation or model DeriveManipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship DeduceReach a conclusion from the information given

Command terms: Objective 3 ExplainGive a detailed account including reasons or causes PredictGive an expected result ShowGive the steps in a calculation or derivation SketchRepresent by means of a diagram or graph (labeled as appropriate). The sketch should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features. SolveObtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods SuggestPropose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer