You’re days away from an important exam. How do you make sure you’re using revising the material properly? While there are several revision techniques out there, some are more effective than others. These three tried-and-true methods will help ensure you know the material, so you can pass your upcoming exam without losing your sanity.
1. Group Revision
One of the most effective and engaging ways to review material is to study with friends or classmates. Group revising can be done in person, online or even over the phone.
When you revise with others, you get the opportunity to share material and plans. You also get the chance to hear other points of view on the subject, which may help you better understand particularly difficult material.
To make the most out of your group study sessions, brainstorm answers to possible exam questions, and combine and condense your revision notes.
Be sure to arrange your study sessions in advance and have a plan in place, so you don’t waste time deciding what to cover.
2. Mind Mapping
When revising, it’s often best to take several different approaches to learning, so you truly understand the material.
Visual techniques help you remember, and they can also help you make associations that that better hel
p you absorb the subject matter. Creating mind maps is one of the most effective visual techniques.
Mind maps help you create ideas and also make associations, which makes it easier to remember the material.
To create a mind map, start with a general idea, and use lines to connect sub-points to the main topic. The design of the mind map helps you make associations to better absorb the material.
3. Memory Techniques
You’ve read through the material, so it’s already in your memory – you just have to retrieve it. There are several memory techniques you can use to help you recall and remember the material.
Use Associations
Link ideas and subject matter together through mind mapping, word association and repetition (e.g. re-writing ideas, re-reading material, re-listening to audio).
Acronyms
Acronyms are a great way to help you remember factual information, particularly lists or sequences. Create a unique (or wacky) sentence using the first letter of each word in the series to help you not only remember the words, but the proper order for the words.
Define Concepts and Words
Whether you’re learning new vocabulary or concepts, defining things will help you better understand the material and improve your ability to recall the information when taking your exam.
Write a few sentences that define the concept, making sure to add an example and visual representation if needed.