Revision Tips
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Has anyone got any tips for retaining information for exams? I'm on a course at the moment which will mean sitting 2 exams and nothing we are learning is staying in my mind. Its a long time since I've sat any exams so can't remember how I revised back then. I've tried reading over and over, writing notes repetitively in the hope it will sink in, highlighting key points, flash cards etc. Even tried word association.
Getting to the stage where I'm panicking so much about it that I won't even be able to put my name on the exam paper as I won't remember that let alone answer questions. So any help gratefully received.
This might help: Reduce the length of the time you spend studying - instead of one hour three ten minures can be more effective. You are more likely to retain more in ten minutes - then until the next ten minutes - what you have learned has time to go through your mind a few times.
Writing things down also helps you recall at a later time. If you've any form of voice recorder recording what you want to remember has multiple benefits - reciting to record helps then listening to the recording helps embed the knowledge.
Don't try to absorb too much too quickly. There are numerous different ways of remembering things - the best way will vary from person to person.
I've got several dictaphones so will try that. I thought I had retained quite a bit from the course yesterday, went in this morning and after one question I realised I hadn't. I think it's the thought and fear of being in an exam room for 2 hours that is taking over from the training at minute, that and everyone else on the course being so good.
Thanks David
elise Most mobile phones have voice recorders - mine (which isn't anything special) does. I think a lot of people forget they've got one.
I had some studying (for qualifications) to do in my mid forties and know how you feel - I know it's easier said than done but try to relax, those on the course you think are so good probably think the same of you.
May I ask what the exams are for and how long until you take them? - It might help. Mnemonics (for memory recall) might help for many subjects.
davidstockport We can't have our phones on during the course and the recorder isn't as clear as my dictaphones are. It's NEBOSH that I'm doing, been working in Health and Safety for 14 years but never done the course before, thought that would give me an advantage but didn't bank on having to learn the Health and Safety at Work Act word for word and knowing which clause is which or memorising the Regulations. The exams are on 9th April, which at the start of the course seemed ages away but is know becoming a reality faster than I would like
elise Where things have to be memorised word for word - the way I do it is set it to music and sing it (you don't have to sing it out loud at the exams unless you wish to).
I'm not joking, I can never memorise poetry but if I put music to it... no problemo!
I used to know over 800 songs (word perfectly) Now I can't RECALL what those 800+ songs are, but if anyone reminds me I can then recall the words. I don't know if you remember the way multiplication tables were almost sung at school, the alphabet was learned that way too. It definitely helps recall.
This last tip might sound absolutely crazy but here goes: When you read something try to forget it - there is no deliberate mental process for forgetting but trying to forget a thing will help you remember it.
To elaborate: I once carried out an experiment with a list of twenty objects and asked eight people to try to remember them, after number seven - I said "Forget that one" a few weeks later I asked them how many could they remember, they averaged about six each - but when asked which one I asked them to forget ALL eight of them remembered it. Evidence (not very scientific perhaps) that trying to forget helps memory.
davidstockport great idea that last one, will do that with the Act and Regulations. I said yesterday at lunch that I remembered things better if they were set to music, even said we should ask the tutor to sing instead of read the slides. I've done some myself but then found I spent an hour trying to rhyme something with Vicarious Liability and after that the moment had passed.
Apparently today is the day that the penny drops and we all remember everything, just about to leave so will test that theory out
If you're still looking for a rhyme fot Vicarious Liability - Victorious Stability might fit.
Sounds like it could be a good song
elise I've thought that about songs that I've written - but the critics said they're more like "number twos" - I'm not sure what they meant!
davidstockport funnily enough number 2s could describe how this week has gone. 
As a secondary school teacher I often have conversations with my students about how to revise. Research shows simply reading though materials or highlighting notes etc is not effective. Trying simplifying your current notes on to revision cards, do plenty of past paper questions and go through the markschemes too. Anything you don't understand bring to someone who can support you and get help. Best methods include the spacing of your learning. Work on each subject for a short period of time, say 20 minutes. The come back and go over the same topics a few days later, this helps with the retention of information. Do more application of your knowledge (do questions) rather than simple retention (listing facts).
Thank you, I know everyone learns differently, I just can't seem to find the best technique for me at present
elise The ways to learn vary from individual to individual - and everyone must try to find the way that's best for themself. There isn't a single technique - mixtures of techniques are usually more effective. As jmsoni has implied it's very difficult to learn anything you don't fully understand.
Many people think they have a poor memory, when in actual fact they have never learned how to use it.
(or they did learn but forgot)
davidstockport I understand it just doesn't stick. We've been given 6 sample exam papers so that's my weekend sorted
Yoga,time out to focus,whats in important in your life,what does your future hold?This will relax you and your mind will flow,with positive thoughts,at bed time go on you tube and listen to calming music,you wake up postive,and you will get through your exams ,good luck.
Keep hydrated and dont study on a empty stomach take a 15 minutes break every hour. Different things work for different people.
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