revision and exam final v2

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Revision and exam preparation Cheryl Cliffe & Daren Mansfield Academic Subject Librarians

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Page 1: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Revision and exam preparation

Cheryl Cliffe & Daren Mansfield

Academic Subject Librarians

Page 2: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Aim & Learning Outcomes

Aim: • To consider how to succeed in examinations

by effective revision and preparation

Learning Outcomes: • identify preferred learning style• identify and employ effective strategies for

before, during and after an exam

Page 3: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Good and bad experiences

Introductions

• Discuss good and bad experiences…• What would you have done better?• What exam strategy would you adopt?

Page 4: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Revising• Get organised

– Select topics for revision– Divide the unit into topics/sub topics– Notes - collate, condense and summarise– Revision schedule– Study in short spells– Past exam papers– Build up your handwriting speed– What can be achieved under exam conditions?

• What’s your learning style? - Learning style questionnaire (10 mins)

Page 5: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Learning styles and study methods

VISUAL LEARNER- • Involves memory and• note taking techniquesAUDITORY LEARNER-• Music • Aural Mnemonics • Technology• Repetition• Friends and groups

KINAESTHETICLEARNER-• Also known as tactilelearners• Learning by doing

Page 6: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Before the exam• Be positive

– Understand reasons for exams

– They are an advantage to you

– You have control over the process

– Check your own learning

• How many exams will you have?

• When, where and what are the exams?

• How will you be assessed?

Page 7: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Managing stress & relaxation techniques

• Breathe calmly• Healthy diet• Sleep 7 hrs a day• Regular exercise• Celebrate success • Take regular breaks

Page 8: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

During the exam• Positive mindset• Take time to read ALL the instructions and ALL

the questions……then re-read the questions, make notes/highlight keywords

• Divide your time equally among questions carrying the same marks

• Use rough paper to organise structure and thoughts

• Time– Go over what you have written– At end read answers and make amendments

Page 9: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Writing exam essays• Fewer examples than coursework• Miss out background detail• No reference list• Grammatical and spelling errors,

rushed handwriting generally less important

• But…ensure that your handwriting is legible

Page 10: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

‘What if I go blank?’• Too Tense – use relaxation

technique • Brainstorm• Keep writing – jot down words on

spare paper to prompt your memory

• Who? When? What? Where?

Page 11: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Exam planning

• Devise exam question– Deconstruct question– Plan your structure – Use mind map – identify relevant

headings– Consider time spent on each

paragraph

Page 12: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

After the exam

• Don't beat yourself up, what is done is done!

• Think about what you could improve/focus on for the next exam – How well did you prepare?– What could you have done better?– What will you do differently next time?

• Always another opportunity• Put it in perspective!

Page 13: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Additional support• Enrol on the Bb community -

Learning Development @ Lincoln• Further hints and tips in:

– Cottrell, S. (2007) The exam skills handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan

– Tracy, E. (2006) The student’s guide to exam success. 2nd ed. Maidenhead: Oxford University Press [ebook]

– Cottrell, Stella. (2008). The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan.

Page 14: Revision and Exam FINAL V2

Finally…

GOOD LUCK!