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Exams and Revision Top Tips

Examples of different ways to revise

Effective revision is all about moving information from the short term memory into your long-term memory. Activities that allow you to process information and repeatedly engage with it will support this process. WATCH this video to find out more.

 

AVOID ineffective revision methods such as highlighting, copying notes and reading

To revise EFFECTIVELY you need to:

  1. Use ACTIVE revision methods (these involve processing and retrieval of information) 
  2. Add VARIETY to your revision by using lots of different methods

 

There are lots of ways that you can revise either alone or with others. Any activities that include memorising and recalling information, such as using flashcards or completing quizzes, are good. And of course, past papers are great for testing your knowledge.

 

Don't forget, creating revision materials is still valuable revision - revision is not just about testing yourself!

REMEMBER mix them up! Challenge yourself to never revise the same way twice in a day!

 

Click on the hot spots below for some active revision methods that you could try in your revision practise

 

Practising answering exam questions

Practicing exam questions is an essential part of the revision process as it allows you to check and apply the content you have revised. You can get familiar with the exam format, exam conditions and timing. Make sure that you have included exam practice in your planner or revision timetable.

Digital revision tools

There are lots of digital tools available to help with your revision. It is important to use them as part of a mixed revision strategy.

 

The following can be used to create digital flashcards:

Quizlet
Anki – allows you to make flashcards with text, sound and images and helps you learn the material by using spaced repetition
Gizmo – also useful for summarising lectures (uses AI)

 

You can also create online mind maps using free tools such as:
MindMeister 
Coggle 

 
If you need help with planning and managing your time when revising, why not try one of these tools:
GoConqr – create personalised study planners
Notion App – useful for organisation 
 
Timers & distraction management tools (many use the Pomodoro technique)
Marinara Pomodoro Assistant
Pomofocus - Pomodoro timer
Forest Be Focussed App - grow a virtual tree whilst you study
Tomato timer - timer tool
Study bunny App - study with others online
 
You can keep track of notes, tasks calendars and reminders all in one place on the Office
365 homepage, using OneNote, Calendar and To Do.

 

Things to consider when using digital tools supported by Generative AI Gen AI can produce factually inaccurate information (known as hallucinations) so check outputs for accuracy.  AI tools may use information from their training data which might not match your course. Be careful not to be distracted from priority areas for you to revise. Use your own notes as the basis for any prompts so that the GenAI tools base the output on the content in your notes.  Don't copy and paste or upload any university materials into the GenAI tools because of data protection, copyright and intellectual property rules.  Don’t become too reliant of Gen AI tools, they only complement and not replace traditional approaches. 

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