Revision strategiesHow can I help?
Types of learner (V.A.K) • • •
Rewrite your notes as mind-maps Use colour to highlight important things Draw diagrams and sketches to help you remember points.
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Read your notes aloud Record yourself reading key points of your notes aloud, then listen to it afterwards Revise with other students if you can Sing the main points. Linking them with a tune may help you remember them.
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Read your notes aloud Record yourself reading key points of your notes aloud, then listen to it afterwards Revise with other students if you can Sing the main points. Linking them with a tune may help you remember them.
Accelerated learner Typically a ‘reader’ Often a visual learner May need validation that they are doing the right thing They have the revision skills, but may need to tweak them to get the best results. Next steps Praise when they achieve short term goals Explore a range of revision strategies to support learner
Hands on Learner Typically a kinaesthetic learner May struggle with the reading, problem solving or processing of information They may work at a slower pace, and would rather have a hands on delivery when it comes to instructions Next steps Key words, flash cards, highlighter pens
Overachiever Learner Generally a good all round learner (A.V.K) Able to memorize information well Typically a weak test taker Can easily have a crisis of confidence
Next steps Exam condition questions (i.e. timed), past papers, agree a plan and stick to it (100 day plan)
Sound Learner Generally a student who does well in school They are motivated and serious about where and what they want to study and regularly get solid grades Next steps Ensure they don’t take on too much, often they wont talk about stress levels Agree a plan and stick to it (i.e. no more than agreed)
Unmotivated Learner Genuinely wants to do well but regularly feels uninterested and/or unchallenged by the whole learning process They will often have a Fixed Mindset (I cant do this/It’s a rubbish subject/I know I’m going to fail anyway) Next Steps Explore Growth Mindset strategies, agree targets and rewards, small steps initially
Maverick Learner Is often someone who engages in two or more of the above categories They will take their own approach to revision They may flit between being motivated/unmotivated regularly Next steps When motivated this student will excel in their studies Monitor motivation levels, look out for warning signs Ensure that their approach to revision is beneficial
Non Negotiables
Revision strategies • Allocate days for different subjects – mixing up the subjects so you are not doing all the hard subjects on one day. • Write down any commitments that you have e.g clubs, social events. • Decide what times you work best and put the tasks that require more energy or concentration during your optimum times. • Start with something that you find hard, in that way you get it done quicker. • Remember that concentration time is 32 minutes • Take a break. • Cross things off as you do them because it will give you a sense of accomplishment.
Revision strategies 1. Make a revision timetable. Try to spend ten minutes every day looking at topics you are unsure of. 2. Decide how much time you need to spend on each topic: use your time where it is really needed. 3. Work out what you already know. Then for each subject make a list of the important topics you still need to cover. 4. Make sure you leave time to have LOTS OF FUN each day. 5. Speak to your parents about a suitable place to work, with no distractions. Organise yourself according to your learning style. If you find it useful, put posters, mind-maps or post-its on your wall
Revision strategies 6. Keep checking that you have understood what you are revising. If you are not sure, ASK FOR HELP. 7. Take regular stretch breaks; get up and move around. Get lots of exercise – your brain needs it! 8. Go over your notes again ten minutes later. Ask someone to test you one hour later, that evening, the next day and the next week. 9. Drink lots of water, eat high energy foods and get plenty of sleep. 10. Use lots of different ways to help you understand and remember: Mind-maps, pictures, body actions, songs, taping yourself talking, using posters or post-it notes.
Space repetition Key points • All revision cards start off in box 1 • If the student successfully memorises a card, it is moved up into box 2. (If not, it says in box 1) • The student then starts on box 2, if they successfully memorise the card, it moves up to box 3 and so on. • If they cannot remember a card in any box, it moves back down to box 1 again
The internet Key points • Be wary of what sites they are looking at, there is a lot of inaccurate information out there • Your teacher can suggest useful websites that can support • BBC Bitesize
Exam/Past Papers Key points • Find out which examination board is being studied • Each examination board will have a number of past papers available to download • Complete questions under examination conditions to get used to the added pressure
Good luck and all the best with your child’s exams! “There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs” Author unknown