Depending on the workload and interest in the subject, revise for an exam can seem laborious or even insurmountable at first.
There are, however, a few simple techniques that, when combined with good organization, allow you to retain more information, be more focused, spend less time revising, and increase your chances of success. get good grades.
Here are some of them that we invite you to discover and put into practice:
1. Favor small work sessions
Did you know that your ability to retain information drops significantly after 25 to 30 minutes of concentration ? This is why it is preferable to divide your revision sessions into several small work sessions, not exceeding 30 minutes each. Between each session, give yourself a break during which you will do something fun and allow you to take your mind off things. You will come back with a fresh head for the next work session.
2. Choose a secluded workspace
It’s about a essential rule in order to properly revise : do not study in bed, nor in front of the television, instead choose a calm and quiet space which will be totally and solely dedicated to this activity.
3. Learn to take notes
Taking notes makes memorizing easier. Some people have a visual memory and remember better with colors, others will prefer lessons captured on their computer screen. The form is therefore as important as the content, as long as it manages to hold your attention. It’s up to you to find the method that suits you best.
4. Divide what you need to learn into two categories: facts and concepts
On the one hand, facts which are concrete and invariable notions, and you must know like the back of your hand. This will involve finding ways mnemonics so that you remember it perfectly. The other, concepts, on the other hand, are broader ideas that you must first understand, and be able to explain in your own words afterwards. So this is the most important part. If you understand a concept as a whole, you are unlikely to forget it. Don’t waste your time learning concepts by heart but make sure you understand them well. In short: revise intelligently!
5. Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Many students do not dare to ask questions or ask for help when they stumble over points that they cannot completely assimilate. Talk about it to a teacher, or with classmates, if you feel more comfortable, but in no way feel embarrassed to ask for explanations, which in the end may be essential to get a good grade on your exam.
6. Tell someone else what you learned
This is a very simple technique to evaluate what you have learned: if you are able to clearly explain what you have reviewed to a loved one or friend class, no doubt, you have solid foundations!
7. Study exams from previous years
If you have the possibility, in your establishment, obtain copies of exams from previous years and familiarize yourself with their structure and format. Your professor should be able to tell you where to find them, and usually your library should keep them in its archives.
Practice to answer the various questions within the allotted time, and check your answers with your course materials to make sure you are on the right track.
8. Stay calm and avoid agitation
Another tip that will be useful to you: do not discuss the exam with other students just before the test begins. This would only confuse you, destabilize you and you risk losing confidence in yourself. Likewise, avoid talking about it right after finishing the exam. It is neither constructive nor helpful to continue discussing it with your friends. No need to fill yourself with doubts and stress, especially since you can no longer do anything. Instead, relax and move on!
9. Start your exam with a comprehensive reading of the topic
Before you start, take a few minutes to read and understand all the questions, then start organizing your answers in your head. Identify the questions that will take you the most time and those that are worth the most points. You can answer the questions in any order you want, but if you want to save a little time start with the ones you are most sure of.
10. Come back to your exam once it’s corrected
Once the stress is over and the verdict is in, take the time to reread your copy. Even if the chapter is closed for this year, it remains useful to identify your faults to correct them, and not make the same mistakes the following year. Furthermore, and without realizing it, going back to one exam can be helpful to you in another. If you got a bad grade, don’t be in a hurry to forget it and don’t hesitate to go see your teacher to discuss it with him or her. The latter is best placed to help you learn from your mistakes.
Video: 4 effective techniques to remember your lessons
And you, what are your tips for revising well and getting good grades? leave us a quick comment below.