exam study techniques

Throbbe

Continual reinforcement is the key. Revise something, but then go over it a day or two later and again a week later.

The thing that worked best for me was taking quite detailed notes to revise from, based on my course notes, but condensed. Anything I didn't understand I looked into. Later on I would take those revision notes, and make a more concise set of notes. I'd repeat this several times until I'd condensed the subject into a few sides of A4, pretty much in bullet points.

That way, I'd repeated the information, and also made sure I understood it enough to condense it.

I did the notes around the house thing too, although this didn't go down well with my housemates who were accidently learning about prestressed concrete design while taking a break from their revision for totally different subjects.

Shoshannah

You have my sympathies. You are probably doing better than you think, it is common to feel you know nothing when exams are approaching (I've had the frequent 3am tears and thrown a few books across the room in my time).

During my last set of exams I used a variety of techniques for revision. Mostly it consisted of writing out notes, because this is how I learn best. I had a lot of journal articles which I also read through just to reinforce the stuff in my head, although I usually don't retain much just by reading.

I found that listening was very useful, but I listened to lectures rather than my own dictation. I was lucky enough to have access to lectures that I had attended three years ago and since forgotten, via 'podcasts' available on the college intranet. I realise not everyone has such things, although recording your lectures on a dictaphone and saving them is the next best thing. I would listen to these in bed (when I was sick to death of writing) and also in the car on long journeys (sad, very sad lol).

Start by reviewing all your notes. You may have taken in more than you think; in my experience this is usually the case. Anything you know well, put aside and forget about for now. Concentrate on the parts that are giving you bother.

Have you got someone else who can help you learn, such as a friend, family member or partner? My boyfriend was invaluable during revision - bless him - I asked him to test me on stuff constantly, he must have been so bored. But it really helped. I also found that explaining concepts to him helped to reinforce them in my brain...he didn't really understand much of it but he did listen, which was important, and it helped to consolidate stuff when I said it out loud and explained it to another person. You can try explaining concepts to a make believe person or the wall, you'll feel a bit silly but that hardly matters! I've done that too when I'm alone in the flat! :rotfl:

Finding a method of revision that works for you is important; I found mine during exams at school but you mentioned you didn't attend much school so you probably haven't had the same chance to find the best method for you.

Have you tried revising at a different time of day? If you have family or work commitments it is hard but if you are a 'free agent' so to speak, try revising at different times. Get up late and revise through the night if it suits you, or get up early and switch off in the evening. I echo what others have said about revising in chunks. After a certain period without rest, your brain just won't retain stuff.

Good luck though. :)

[Deleted User]

Thank you everyone for your really useful advice.

I bought a dictaphone and spent 5 mins trying to erase me, having recorded myself speaking to my kids whist trying to work the damn thing out.

Anyways.. Randal.. Thank you, maybe as i listen to my notes i'll write them and it will go in better. Im going to try this over the w.end.

I've taken on all your tips and i have post its all over my house and I've got a study eve booked with my friend who's going to help test me to see how much I know.

I do appreciate all the advice given and will use it all and WILL pass my exam :-)

SL X

stitch26

I had my first exam in over 20 years in May. I also managed to be ill the week prior to it and not be able to revise properly. Got up on the day of the exam and wrote an essay for it with the use of some books. Arrived at the exam very nervous and used what material I could remember. Ended up with a 2:1.

What I'm trying to say is don't sweat it, just do your best and you may be surprised.

Best of luck
Andy

alwaysonthego_2

I covered lifespan development in my first year and I found Erikson, Piaget, Bowlby, Vygotsky and Freud to be very relevant theorists.

I did an open exam last year (2nd year) for Social Policy and got copies of past exams and I realised that the same questions were being asked but in a different format so I wrote extensive notes and came out with a 2:1.