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Revision Techniques
Revision isn’t just sitting in front of books for hours on end reading the text book over and over again - there are special techniques. Revision is an active process that requires you to think about what you are doing as you are doing it. There are many different techniques for revising, and the key step in successful revision is to find out which of the technique suits your own learning style. For some people just staring at the book can help, but for most they need to be actively involved in the subject that they are revising. Try some of these techniques and tips to see which works best for you. These are all techniques straight from teachers and other students who have found them helpful!
Revision Techniques 1
Make yourself a revision timetable. This might be advice that you have had before but it really will help you plan out your revision and break each topic now into manageable sized chunks. The key techniques in revising effectively is little and often, so planning it out properly will help you to stick to this. Either make your own revision timetable or click here to download one for free.
Revision Techniques 2
Ask for help from others. Try talking to your friends about how they are revising or ask an older sibling for their top techniques. If you are having particular trouble with a subject go straight to your teacher; we are here to help! Teachers may be able to give you some extra tuition or recommend home tutors to your parents. Home tutors are often specialists in their subject and will be there to provide help and support throughout your revision.
Revision Techniques 3
Make it manageable. It can’t be repeated enough, effective revision takes place over short periods of time. Break every subject down to small topics and stick to them. Try writing the key points for a subject on a crib sheet or prompt card. Doing this will mean you can carry them around with you when you are out and about and have a spare 5 minutes to look over them. Take a look in our 'revision resources' section where you can download some templates for free!
Revision Techniques 4
Look at the information often. One of the easiest ways to get knowledge to stay in your head is too expose yourself to it frequently. This might mean reading over your notes every day or even sticking some of them around your room. Many students make something called a ‘learning poster’ for each topic and stick several of them around the house (as long as parents don’t mind!). This means that every time you walk past them you can take a minute to take in the information. Try sticking one or two in the bathroom for reading on your visits!
Revision Techniques 5
Make it interesting! When you are making notes and learning posters the best techniques tell you to make sure you use as much colour as possible. By using pretty colours and different size text you will keep your eyes interested for longer, meaning you will absorb a little more knowledge. This goes for all the notes that you make. Spider diagrams and mind maps are great for this; take a look in our ‘revision resources’ section for some free downloadable examples and templates.
Revision Techniques 6
Use your ears. Many people just think that revising means reading and writing; this is certainly not the case; look at all of these techniques! Take advantage of all of the wonderful technology surrounding you. Why not record your notes on to your iPod and listen to them as you take a walk around town? You could even download Podcasts from online revision resources such as BBC Bitesize and listen to them.
Revision Techniques 7
Take advantage of the internet. You will find many different websites offering online revision techniques such as notes, tests and game, such as BBC Bitesize and SAM Learning. Visit their websites via our ‘revision resources’ section and take some tests. Remember not to get distracted by being on the internet!
Revision Techniques 8
Take breaks. Your mind will need lots of time to take in all of the extra information that you are feeding it, and you will also need to take time to relax. When you make your revision timetable make sure that you include times for meals (very important!) and breaks. Give yourself an evening or two a week away from studies so that you can enjoy your favourite hobby and will be able to come back to your revising fresh and ready to learn!
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