Exam season is upon us and, in case you missed the revision tips and techniques workshop in December, I’m here to provide you with some helpful tips for revision.
| Revision Techniques | Effective tips |
| Notes | Drawings |
| Posters | Cartoons |
| Mindmaps | Placing |
| Flashcards | Self-tests |
| Lists | Re-writing |
| Quizzes | Incentives |
| Powerpoints | Diagrams |
| Flow Charts | Colour-coding |
| Exam Papers | Reading aloud |
| Images | Repetition |
| Articles | Time Management (short breaks, pomodoro technique etc.) |
The key thing about finding your perfect revision strategy is not what technique to use, but how to use it. Students often *trick* themselves into thinking that they’re revising but, truthfully, the revision technique is not working for them. Finding the best possible technique will enhance your revision knowledge and ensure you’re not wasting precious time.
Below is a table of revision techniques alongside tips on how to make techniques effective.
Interesting fact to note: using highlighters and listening to music are scientifically proven not to be beneficial. Although it’s proven, if those methods do help you revise, then go for it. Finding your revision strategies is all about what works with you and how you can manage it.
These days you can take your revision anywhere with you just by using your phone. There are many strong and effective apps to use when revising, I’ve chosen my favourite and listed them for you.
Go Conqr Allows the user to create mind maps, flashcards, quizzes, slides and notes to equip every student with a revision bank.
Evernote Allows the creation of notes in multiple formats including checklists, sketches, photos, scans, audio, video, PDF’s & web clippings.
One Note Similar to Evernote, allows the user to file notes into notebooks and multiple formats.
Instapaper Allows the user to save and store web articles (adjustable for ease of reading) which can later be read offline.
Pocket Similar to Instapaper, allows the user to save articles for offline reading and tag articles for easy searching and recommended interests.
2Do Allows the user to create organisable tasks, projects and checklists in a calendar-based time-management app.
Any Do Similar to 2Do, allows the user to organise the tasks in a calendar but offers more options in terms of attachments and sorting.
Trello Allows the user to create work-boards for projects and designate workflows in a project management tool.
Another crucial aspect to note when coming to revision is how you approach revision. Below is a table of dos and don’ts when coming to revision.
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Start revising early | Don’t procrastinate |
| Take short breaks | Don’t go overboard with revision |
| Manage your time effectively | Don’t avoid subjects you hate |
| Find a good revision environment | Don’t surround yourself with distractions |
| Start a revision study group | Don’t just read your notes |
| Refine your revision study | Don’t spend too long making notes look pretty |
| Eat and stay hydrated | Don’t miss out on sleep |
Don’t panic this exam season and take on board the advice in this blog post. Think about how you can make your revision work for you, and whether your current method is effective or not. Remember, eat, drink and sleep, missing out on these three things will impact your mindset and mentality towards revision.
Written by: DYLAN BOOTH
3rd Year Creative Writing Student
Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services