Same old same old, but invaluable!

The web is awash with top tips for revision but I felt this article in the Guardian (http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jan/08/five-secrets-of-successful-revising?CMP=twt_gu) encapsulates almost all that needs to be said. It is not new information but is really useful.

When I go through it with students it will be accompanied by activities they need to do… so…

• Space your practice…. becomes….. draw up a revision timetable ( oh, and stick to it!)
• Make sure you fail occasionally…. becomes…. have a go at exam papers and don’t lose faith if you can’t answer all the questions straight away
• Practise the thing you’ll be tested on…. becomes…refer to the specification as a checklist for your revision. It contains the topics you need to know ( don’t follow the text book for your revision, it might be out of date)
• Structure information, don’t try to remember it …..becomes… don’t just write out your notes. Create mind maps, flash cards, summaries, drawings…but don’t just copy or read.
• Rest and sleep…becomes….well, rest and sleep. Absolutely vital!

As I said, it is not new information, but is still worth another mention.