How do you motivate yourself when revising for exams?

casson2006

Yeh i hear what you are saying, i have no problem understanding stuff i dont find interesting. (i picked 2 do a degree in forensic science and it wasnt what i expect, we do molecular biology, histology etc) I think it was prob the teacher we had, the notes she gave us were very random, and i really dnt have a clue wot i need to know and how to piece it all together, coz i am confused bout it. i got a book out of the libary and its really helped, but know i am not sure wot i am learning is wot i am supposed to if you know what i mean!
i really do think the teachers make such a difference, i think some of myn could be alot better!!

SoScrooge wrote:

Hi casson2006

I don't know what to say.... Maybe try to make most out of it. Pretend you like molecular biology...

I am doing accountancy and it is boring (but hopefully rewarding financially afterwards).

I remember back at school (I went to school abroad), I really hated chemistry in my first year. Then I changed schools and a new teacher made me love it. It made me to read the previous year text book and understand almost everything.

My next teacher (changed schools again) was a real terror, so I had to do a lot of studying, but it did not kill my love for the subject. I even took it as a final exam (something like A level) and passed flying colours.

I know, when I just can't stand a subject, it roots into my lacking of understanding it. And as soon as I 'wipe off' what I don't understand, I start loving it.

Hope I did not bore you to death with my post

Virginie82

Hey So Scrooge good luck with your ACCA

I finished my ACA last year: it was so stressful. Loads of work to do with the added incentive of being sacked if you fail!!

Not coming from a financial background I had to give up my social life and weekends. I found it helpful to learn the model answers.

But the rewards are worth it: I doubled my salary on qualifying and was sent to Oz to work last year!

casson2006

sorry to sound stupid, but what is a ACCA?

SoScrooge

casson2006 wrote:

sorry to sound stupid, but what is a ACCA?

ACCA = Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

I know exactly where you are speaking from. I am studing on my own - could not afford to go to college or uni. I have no support from teachers, students, etc. The only person who can explain things to me is me. And a lot of times I have not got the foggiest.

I will get there...

pavlovs_dog

well today i have chained myself to the PC, and i AM going to do at LEAST half of my first essay draft today

i have found my approach to study is changing as i go through uni. i am getting better at not leaving things to the very last minute, but instead giving myself time to do a first and second draft, which should hopefully make a big difference to my marks.

i have also gone from never making a study timetable, to making completely unrealistic ones which fail miserably, to something which actually works! (or at least, when i sit down to do the work, it does :rotfl: )

if anyone is struggling with revision/studying, i cannot recommend Stella cottrell's 'the study skills handbook' highly enough - it has completely revoloutionised my approach to study.

for those of you fortunate enough to own a laptop, have you thought about taking up home in starbucks for the day? go there dead early, bag a quiet corner, and for the sake of two cups of coffee or so, you basically have use of an 'office' - this is what martin did when he needed to write the second edition of the money diet, so there must be some logic to it

i do have to say though - the biggest problem facing most students is motivation and discipline... or lack of. we have an proverb in welsh which says that two thirds of the work is actually sitting down and starting! which is so true. the hardest thing IS finding the willpower not to do the ironing and clean the bathroom (all those things that become so appealing when you have more pressing things to do) but to sit down and start working. once you've started, the rest is usually much less of a struggle.

still easier said than done though!!!

culinarydave

Don't forget that everybody's different. I like making study timetables, but I can't stick to them at all. Similarly, some people can cram and do really well, some can't. So I think it's more of a personal thing - think back to whatever strategy has worked well for you in the past, and stick to it.

But I do have some advice: Unplug any modems/internet cables and delete or hide any games from the start menu of your computer.

If only I could practice what I preach...

[Deleted User]

I am doing a GCSE Law exam in 6 weeks time I have finished my coursework and got it in in time thank goodness.:j What I have been doing is typing up my notes from each lesson from the beginning last Sepember on my computer. This is my way of refreshing what I have learnt.
Revision is just as hard when your my age (O.A.P) as it is when you are young.There is not so much pressure for me though as I am doing this for me, and not as a reason for getting employment .I left school at 14 many years ago without any qualifications and when I retired 10 years ago I decided that I would try to catch up on my 'lost' education. I hasn't been easy, but it is so rewarding. I have started a part-time History course at Uni and am the oldest in the class.The other 'bright young things' are really lovely and helpful.I am old enough to be their Granny.
Education is so important, and I wish all of you other youngsters the very best of luck with your exams .Roll on 14th June then I can relax for a couple of months:D

SoScrooge

Today is a good study day for me

I have finally found a place where I can revise in peace – my office. I am lucky enough to work for a company whose offices are open 24 hours (not TESCO 24;) ).

I know it might sound sad to be in the office 7 days a week, but ….

Today I have done 7 hours of studying and am really pleased with myself. I still have got a lot to go through, but at least I am not struggling concentrating in a local library without toilets, kettles, and ready available PCs.

Good luck to everyone with their exams!!!

MushyPeas

Well done mate, I have a 3000 word essay due to hand to a peer for marking on Monday....done nothing so far today and Dr Who is on soon...

SoScrooge

thanks, MushyPeas

It is already 7.30 and only now I am going home.

Oh, noo-ooooo, looks like no Dr Who for me tonight!!! :rolleyes: