Dse212
Revision & Examination technique Advice on final revision
• It might to bear in mind what the purpose of the examination is. Examinations test for three main characteristics: o An overall understanding of the syllabus o An ability to recall facts and ideas covered in the syllabus o An ability to marshal these facts and ideas into a coherent argument (which is relevant to the question being asked!) within a limited time
• These are the characteristics which you ought to bear in mind during your final revision period i.e., the last 3 / 4 weeks.
• The key word throughout this period must be organisation. It is often said that to do yourself justice in the examination it must be approached as if it is a military campaign. Your revision must be structured and sensible (so no staying awake until all hours – exhaustion is no aid to logical thought!).
• Another important word is consolidation – remember, by this stage, you should not be reading parts of the course which you have not succeeded in covering yet or introducing yourself to new ideas. Even if you have not as yet completed the syllabus, it will be more fruitful to concentrate on, and consolidate the knowledge and understanding you have already acquired rather than trying to get to grips with new material. Revision strategies
• Prepare a timetable which is realistic (an unrealistic one will only succeed in demoralising you!) and which includes adequate breaks. Decide upon how much time you have and divide the syllabus into sections, ensuring that each has adequate time.
• If your notes are copious then break them down to their bare essentials – many students find that mind maps are helpful here. On the other hand if your notes are sparse then do the opposite i.e. build them up, ensuring that you have all the main points, and working up into brief summaries. When you are doing this you must test your recall.
• From time to time you will need to turn to your texts but be careful not to spend hours
• It might to bear in mind what the purpose of the examination is. Examinations test for three main characteristics: o An overall understanding of the syllabus o An ability to recall facts and ideas covered in the syllabus o An ability to marshal these facts and ideas into a coherent argument (which is relevant to the question being asked!) within a limited time
• These are the characteristics which you ought to bear in mind during your final revision period i.e., the last 3 / 4 weeks.
• The key word throughout this period must be organisation. It is often said that to do yourself justice in the examination it must be approached as if it is a military campaign. Your revision must be structured and sensible (so no staying awake until all hours – exhaustion is no aid to logical thought!).
• Another important word is consolidation – remember, by this stage, you should not be reading parts of the course which you have not succeeded in covering yet or introducing yourself to new ideas. Even if you have not as yet completed the syllabus, it will be more fruitful to concentrate on, and consolidate the knowledge and understanding you have already acquired rather than trying to get to grips with new material. Revision strategies
• Prepare a timetable which is realistic (an unrealistic one will only succeed in demoralising you!) and which includes adequate breaks. Decide upon how much time you have and divide the syllabus into sections, ensuring that each has adequate time.
• If your notes are copious then break them down to their bare essentials – many students find that mind maps are helpful here. On the other hand if your notes are sparse then do the opposite i.e. build them up, ensuring that you have all the main points, and working up into brief summaries. When you are doing this you must test your recall.
• From time to time you will need to turn to your texts but be careful not to spend hours