Here are some top tips to help you get your head down and revise effectively, courtesy of IT student, Ashesh Ramjeeawon.
Do you have exams coming up? Keep a positive attitude and follow these revision tips to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your exams.
1. Plan, plan, plan
Now is the time to take initiative. Put away any distractions and switch off your mobile phone. A revision timetable is the best way to start as it will give you guideline.
After you have covered some lecture sessions it is advisable to prepare and revise at least 30 minutes to one hour, with 10 minutes break in between. By doing so, you will able to remember what you have done in class, reducing your stress levels when it’s time for your exam.
It’s normal to take longer on subjects you find tough, but don’t neglect the modules you think you are good at. Revision can be a big commitment, but it is worth it in the long run.
2. Rise and shine
Waking early might be difficult for some, but making a little effort to get up in the morning will make things a whole lot easier for you and will eventually impact positively on your grades. Studying in the morning will give you time in the afternoon to spend with friends, or play your favourite sport.
Try to sleep earlier and wake up earlier; early in the morning the mind is fresh and it is easy to retain notes. It may take a few weeks to adjust to a new sleeping pattern, but it will be well worth it when you pass with the grade you’d hoped for.
3. Practice makes perfect
Aside from answering questions you’ve been set for homework, practising extra questions will set you apart from your fellow classmates. Re-do questions that you got wrong, and try to figure out why you got them wrong and keep doing practice questions until you feel more comfortable with subject matter.
If there’s a topic you struggle with, do not hesitate to ask for assistance either from a teacher or a friend. Making short notes on flashcards is a practical way to remember things, as you can refer to them anywhere, even while travelling.
Quiz yourself to see which topics you have understood well. Keep reviewing the questions that you get rong until you get them right.
4. Timing is everything
Time management is one of the foremost important skills for effective revision. Stress often comes from the belief that you are running out of time to prepare. By timing things properly and organising your work efficiently, you won’t have to rush the night before your exam.
Time spent browsing Facebook, gaming or watching movies can be one of the biggest drains on productivity. You must be aware of how much time you spend on these ‘unproductive’ – work smarter and harder!
5. Mnemonics
Mnemonics involves translating information into an alternative form that you’re more easily able to remember during your exams. One way of doing this is by taking the first letters of facts or words you want to remember, using them to create a phrase that you find easier to recall than the original information. The first letters would usually come together to make their own word.
6. Sleep well
A good nights’ sleep before an exam is crucial. You need at least seven hours of sleep a night to function at your best. Your mind responds quicker and better when it’s well rested, so it’s worth putting down the pens and getting some rest.
A good nights’ sleep makes you far more likely to be able to recall everything you’ve revised than if you’ve barely slept at all.
So, there we have it: six simple tips that will help you prepare for your exams. I wish you all the best for your exams and may you pass with flying colours.
