Be organised
Plan out your revision by making a revision timetable. That way, you know what to study and when. This will also allow you to split up your study into chunks, making it seem much more achievable. Be realistic when creating this timetable, to not cram too much revision into one day.
Give yourself plenty of time
The earlier you can start your revision, the better. You’ll be more prepared heading into your assessments and can spend more time studying the topics you find difficult.
If you’re unsure when to start revisingfor A-levels, we spoke to some sixth form students to ask when they begin revising and how to get going.
Understand the assessment objectives
Make sure you understand how you’ll be assessed and what questions might come up. This should dictate both what and how you study. The more knowledge you have of the assessment before it happens, the better prepared you’ll be when the time comes.
Try different learning methods
Switch up how you learn by engaging some different senses. If you typically learn best by reading and writing, try also verbalising your revision out loud or teaching it to a friend. Adding variety can help to commit ideas more firmly to memory.
Use different learning materials
Don’t just stick with learning a topic through a textbook. The Internet is your oyster. Watching documentaries or videos on the topics you’re trying to learn can be a new and engaging way to revise. Seek out articles, podcasts and books on the topic too. It’s also worth asking your teachers for additional learning material.
Practice past papers
Past papers are a great indicator of what might come up in your assessment. Time yourself while doing them to see how you perform under test conditions. This way, when it’s time to be tested, you’ll feel more prepared.
Ask your teachers and tutors for past papers. You can also usually find past papers online.
Take breaks
To revise effectively, you’ll need to split up your study with breaks. It's not wise to study for hours on end without stepping away from your work. Taking breaks allows your brain to refresh and reset. This is particularly useful if you’re finding a certain topic challenging.
Incorporate exercise into these breaks too, as moving your body will give you more energy to continue learning.
Remove distraction
Avoid having your phone with you while you study. The allure of social media, and other apps, can be too distracting. Try leaving your phone in another room so you don’t get tempted to reach for it. If you need it nearby, download the Forest app which will motivate you to stay focused and not use your phone.
Sleep
You’ll struggle to study effectively without sufficient rest. You’ll find it difficult to concentrate on your work and your motivation to study can fade. Lack of sleep also impairs memory, making it hard to recall important ideas when it matters. Prioritise getting between 7 to 9 hours each night.
Be mindful of what you eat
What you put into your body will affect the quality of what you put out. Fuelling your brain and body with a balanced, nutritious diet will only benefit the effectiveness of your revision. Foods that’ll ensure your brain is firing include fruit, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and vegetables. Don’t forget to supplement this with plenty of water.
Practice!
Getting these revision methods down can help you with all sorts of assignments, even outside of the classroom. Whether it's working at a part-time job or searching for your perfect uni course (which you can do on this very website, we might add...), these tips can help you keep your focus on the task at hand.
Header image: Photo by fotografierende on Unsplash
