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Revision/Study Tips!

Useful Things That I've Learned Over My School Years on How to Really Make the Best Use of Your Time.

By Bronte MadeleyPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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Another piece of motivation!

This is going to be a relatively short piece on how to kick procrastination and make the most of your revision time. Before we begin, here is a little bit of background information about me. I am an A-Level student from the UK, and I am 17 years old. I am writing this information entirely around what works for me and my friends, one of whom has received an offer from Cambridge University! However, this is just what works for us, so any additions to this would be very useful!

1. Get out of the house!

I know what you’re thinking. What do you mean get out of the house? That’s not going to help me do work—I’ll just procrastinate further by going on a walk or shopping. But hear me out! This isn’t a piece of advice I’ve ever received before.

Public libraries are a fantastic place to do work. Quiet, peaceful, and full of information, they’re surrounded by like-minded people who will motivate you to succeed. The chairs are unbelievably comfortable, and trust me, once you’re there, you will want to utilise the time to your task—without distractions like the TV or the kitchen. Sometimes being cooped up in your house can make you feel as if you’re going completely insane, but a gentle walk to the library will leave you at ease and in an environment where you feel ready to learn.

Failing that, a nice café is often a wonderfully soothing place to work. Grab yourself a coffee or a tea, maybe even a slice of cake (you’re going to need it for all your hard work!) and sip tap water throughout your study session.

Although going out isn’t always practical, sometimes, when you’re struggling to focus, a new environment is all you need.

2. Learn through different methods.

Picture this: you’re sat in your bedroom with your textbook. You’ve been copying out notes for almost two hours and you feel like you’re going insane. “I wanted to be so productive today,” you sigh. “I suppose it just wasn’t meant to be.” You give in, switch on the telly and instantly you’re hit with guilt.

Well, a brilliant way to avoid this is to learn through different mediums!

There are hundreds of videos, apps, and interactive games which can help you learn, whilst keeping you engaged. I’m not saying just use these for your work, but often if you feel like you simply can’t write anymore, a revision game or a video explaining a topic can really be of use.

3. Use your information to retain it better.

I don’t know about you, but often I feel as if I’ve written information but it’s fallen out of my brain. I try to think back on what I’ve learned and I’m stumped.

This one is perhaps the most difficult (and frustrating) barrier to overcome, but some of the most useful methods to remember key facts involve your application of knowledge. Exam papers can be a bit daunting to do all the time, so why not attempt some of your end of chapter questions? Or make yourself some flashcards, of key information you want to retain? Even better, explain something you’ve just learned to a friend or a family member. As you’re speaking, you’re having to think more quickly, and this will help you really cement your knowledge. It will also quickly highlight any gaps in your knowledge, allowing you to revise again what you cannot remember.

4. Make it relevant and interesting to you.

One of the most, if not the most, important tips I want to share with you today is that you will not remember what you find uninteresting. This is an absolute promise. If you like your subject: wahey! You’re already one step ahead! Take the information you’re presented with and relate it back to you. For example, in geography, which I study at A level, we are doing a topic about urbanisation, which surrounds cities and their goings on. Personally, I am fascinated by Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, particularly the Favelas. Therefore I try to relate the ideas of urbanisation (ie: migration, infrastructure, etc.) back to this city, and I find it very interesting, therefore am more likely to remember it. Giving specific examples in an exam is also a very good tip; you become unique to the examiner and show good wider reading and understanding.

5. Motivate yourself!

Finally, stay motivated. Whatever it is that makes you want to study hard, keep in your thoughts and sights. If you want to go to a prestigious university, visit as often as you can. Keep pictures of it on your phone, visit the website. Keep it revelant in your brain! If you want to become a teacher, doctor, fireman, etc., Keep that close to you. Whatever motivates you! Graphs correlating high incomes to high grades, inspirational messages about working hard and achieving your dreams, even TED talks can be beyond useful. Stay motivated and know that you’re almost there, you just have to keep fighting for what you want.

So, those are my most integral and slightly unusual revision tips. I believe these are slightly more useful than “chew flavoured gum whilst studying and in the exam,” and “write in different colours to trick your brain” (Although if this works for you, keep at it!). Good luck to everyone facing exams this year. I promise, no matter how you do, your grades do not reflect your worth. Do your absolute best, and no one could ask for more.

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