How to revise for exams

I was looking around here and noticed that there is not one Instructable on revision (or if there is one I didn't see it).

Revision is really important if you want to do well in your exams - I'm going to show a few of the best techniques that work for me.

Just to say - revision requires concentration - you can't expect it all to work if you don't put any effort in.

Step 1: Place to revise

One of the most important things is the place where you want to revise.

- It needs to be comfortable, you work best if you are relaxed
- It needs to be free from distractions - NOT while watching TV. If you are using a computer, close any windows that may distract you (eg. Facebook, game site etc.)
- If you want, and are doing a long session, have a drink (preferably water - it will help you focus) and maybe a small snack.
- Personally I don't have any music playing, but some people find that some quiet, relaxing music helps them

Comments

[UltraMagnus]

well, I guess the problem is that the education system (at least, in the UK) pretty much encourages cramming and teaching for exams. I never seem to be able to revise properly myself, I either know and understand something the first time I read it; or find it impossible to do anything but cramming about it, just to try and pass the exam.

[Mr. Rig It]

Excellent advice. Please don't tell me that is the classroom size in the UK.

[xilefakamot]

What? At the top? No that's just meant to be the exam room. UK classes tend to be about 20 - 30

[uguy]

Revise for an exam?

[xilefakamot]

?

[Mr. Rig It]

In the US we say review for an exam. I understood what you were saying though.

[xilefakamot]

Ah, OK That might be why I didn't find and i'bles on it

[lemonie]

It's years ago for me, but you say some good stuff. I'd add "get hold of past exam papers" to this if that's practical?

On the subject of "If you've revised well, you shouldn't need to do any cramming."

If you've paid attention in class you shouldn't need to do any cramming.

Cramming and revision tend to amount to the same thing for a lot of people. They turn up to class / lectures and write things down (or they don't and photocopy what someone else wrote down at the end of term...), then they try to cram a term's worth into their head in a few days.

If you're going to bother to sit through a lesson, that is the time to apply yourself. Revision in a strict sense is going over what you've already learned.
You understand this which is good, best wishes for your exam results.

L

[xilefakamot]

To be honest I've never had to revise much to remember stuff, but I've seen so many people boring themselves to death just staring at textbooks. So I decided to write this.

[lemonie]

You do well. I think you've got a better approach to learning that the people who stare at text-books. Could be helpful to someone who can get beyond staring at text-books, and let's hope so. L

[Pazzerz]

I was always the guy who marked up my textbooks as we were going through them in class, wrote the highlighted parts on paper, and used those papers for a cramming session before a test. The only time I didn't do it was college. I still have college texts that were never opened (still in the wrapper) and I kept a 3.75 minimum. I'm figuring that going for another masters might be more challenging and the old methods will come back to being very handy. If not, this may help.

[unigamer]

Flash cards have helped me through all my exams. You learn when you write them and learn when you use them. If it is a particularly tricky set then every question I couldn't do I write down. Also, I wouldn't bother with those little pre-cut card things. Just use A4 paper and you can get at least 8 per sheet.