REVISION STRATEGIES

1. REVISION STRATEGIES R. E. S. T.

2. R. E. S. T. 1 Relationships (maintaining positive relationships with family, friends and staff) 2 Environment (ensuring that we study in a setting conducive to learning) 3 Strategies (using a range of strategies that are effective for each individual) 4 Testing (recalling and applying information before the examination)

3. We can always improve the way we learn

4. REVISION STRATEGIES (R E S T) ‘R’ is for managing relationships

5. What you need to do • Read through the exercise ‘Managing relationships – rate yourself and rank some tips’ on pages 61-64 • Tick THREE of the most useful tips in each Section. • Add your own tip. After which circle THE most useful tip – which can be your own tip. • Complete a section at a time then stop and discuss your views about maintaining relationships. • Think of THREE strategies you will try to use in any of the three Sections you have considered, namely the school, home, friends.

6. REVISION STRATEGIES (R E S T) ‘E’ is for Learning Environment

7. Finding the right learning environment is important

8. What you need to do • Complete the questionnaire ‘What sort of environment do you create when you revise?’ on page 67 • After completing the questionnaire, describe THREE different activities you often engage in to delay or distract you from studying. • Using the material on pages 68-70 ‘Creating a revision environment – rate your environment’, read each statement and rate your response to each one. Work in silence to complete this section of the activity. • Afterwards work in pairs and discuss your responses.

9. REVISION STRATEGIES (R E S T) ‘S’ IS FOR STRATEGIES

10. What you need to do • Step 1: Preparing the raw material. Read through the sheet ‘Prepare the raw material’ on page 73. • Step 2. Reducing your file to a set of revision notes. Complete the exercise ‘Reduce your file to a set of revision notes’ on page 74 by rating the most useful ways to convert a set of notes into short revision notes.

11. What you need to do • Step 2. Reducing your file to a set of revision notes…continued Describe any method of making revision notes that you find useful that was not listed. Finally, identify TWO ways of making revision notes that they know work or that they might try.

12. What you need to do • Step 3: Remembering information - Part A. Read through the sheet ‘Strategies to get information into long term memory’ on pages 75-78. Respond to each method by using the ready-made responses provided. Identify other methods you use and broadcast these to the rest of the group for discussion. Choose THREE methods you intend to try using in future.

13. What you need to do • Step 4: Remembering information - Part B. Read through the sheet ‘Strategies to get information from long term memory’ on pages 78-79. As before, read through each strategy that deals with recalling information and consider the ready-made responses. Do you use any other methods of recalling information that were not listed if so, broadcast these to the rest of the group for discussion. Choose THREE methods you intend to try using in future.

14. REVISION STRATEGIES (R E S T) ‘T’ IS FOR TEST YOURSELF

15. What you need to do • Read each method featured in the sheet ‘T is for Test Yourself’ on page 82-83. • Identify any other methods you might use that were not listed. • Identify THREE methods you will use in future, including any new ones generated in discussion. • Evaluate your revision strategies after internal tests. After the internal tests you should consider: How early do you need to start revision? How much revision do you need to do weekly/monthly? Which methods of revision are most effective for you?

16. Lastly…

17. and remember… Exams are important but don’t lose a sense of perspective…the is life outside of examinations