16th April 2014 9:00
By Blue Tutors
It’s the time of year when tutoring agencies are getting inundated with calls from students desperate for help over the Easter holidays. In my experience as both a student and a tutor, I find that Easter holiday revision is particularly difficult. The sun is often out, there are nice plans afoot and the exams still seem a reasonable way off. Yet this is one of the most crucial times in the academic year, a time when students can get on top of their revision, or fall behind through complacency. Here we lay out some top tips for successful revision during the Easter holidays.
1. Be Realistic. Students often make the mistake of going to extremes with their revision, some trying to revise frantically during this time, and others telling themselves that they have plenty of time before exams and can take the holiday off. As usual, moderation is the key. Students should decide what they need to cover, and ensure that they leave enough time for work and leisure time over the holidays.
2. Plan. It is easy to decide to spend a percentage of the holiday working, but making it happen is another matter. Successful students often have effective timetables which they stick to. Again the best chance students have of sticking to a timetable is to make it realistic – leave time for work and leisure, and make sure that the necessary subjects are covered.
3. Variation. Effective revision is varied and engaging. Students often make the mistake of thinking that the best revision starts and ends with the books, and they read a great deal in a short time. There is nothing wrong with returning to the books, but it is vital that the information is synthesised and learnt in a creative way in order for it to stick. Rather than highlighting lecture notes, try making illustrated revision cards or mind maps with points relating to key ideas. Try revising outside and asking parent or friends to test you. Whatever the technique, it is vital that students are engaged with the information in order for them to learn it.
4. Practice: The best way to prepare for exams is to do exams. Practice questions are a vital part of revision, and should not be left to the end. Integrate learning topics with practice questions, time yourself and get used to working under exam conditions. This is the best way to ensure you are prepared.
5. Finally, look after yourself. Plenty of sleep and a good diet are very important factors in ensure that students are prepared, and these are often overlooked. If it’s a choice between revision another topic, or getting a good night’s sleep, the latter is definitely the best way to go!