How do I actually revise?

I’ve always been pretty motivated to study and revise, and I even enjoyed it at times. But I feel like I’ve hit a dead end. I actually have no idea how to effectively revise. I feel like whatever I do I’m making no progress ☹️. Any tips would be appreciated

Hello,

What subjects are you currently studying, firstly? Like someone else has mentioned past papers are good, however, they are only useful once you've learnt the content. Don't waste the papers as they are a great resource to use when it gets closer to the exams.

Have you started to create revision resources? How is that going?

I’ve always been pretty motivated to study and revise, and I even enjoyed it at times. But I feel like I’ve hit a dead end. I actually have no idea how to effectively revise. I feel like whatever I do I’m making no progress ☹️. Any tips would be appreciated

I’ve always been pretty motivated to study and revise, and I even enjoyed it at times. But I feel like I’ve hit a dead end. I actually have no idea how to effectively revise. I feel like whatever I do I’m making no progress ☹️. Any tips would be appreciated

Hi there @s_misery

I found revision easier to study if I Studied SMART Not Longer:

o Set yourself goals.
o Make study techniques that promote greater results.
o Ask for help.
o Reward yourself for progress.
o Take a Break.

S: Set yourself goals for study. For example, make up an exam/essay question and work towards answering it.
M: Remember VARK. Are you a Visual learner, Audio learner, Reading learner or Kinaesthetic learner. Use study techniques that will promote the best learning for yourself.
A: If you are struggling with anything ask your teacher for help. Their job is to help you with your studies. Alternatively, use study guides or the internet to help breakdown tough subjects.
R: When you hit your goals, complete work and meet important deadlines reward yourself with treats. For example, make watching an episode of your favourite show your reward for completing tasks.
T: When you’ve finished studying take breaks. Go for a walk, hang with friends or get a cup of tea and watch TV. It’s important not to overdo revising.

It's best to keep your revision sessions short and effective, so 40 minutes of studying and then 20 minutes off.

Hopefully this helps a little!

Good luck!

Fi

That’s very useful advice, thank you! I feel like I’ve been setting myself unrealistic expectations - I feel like I’ve made no progress if I don’t revise for 3 hours straight! I’ll try to take breaks more.

For the STEM subjects I always found reading revision books much better than watching youtube videos. For me, it just remains in my memory much longer if I read it from a book.

What resources do you have available?
Computer, teachers, books?

When are you most awake?

My advice is write everything down. Then rewrite it. Then write it all again until it sticks.

Of course, this method is extreme but until I figured out that I have a visual memory and I could simply just draw something and remember it forever this was the only thing that worked.

However if you're visual like me the try drawing cartoons like: an ant that is holding a sign agenst depression while also holding a beer and smoking a cigarette.- antidepressant, such as nicotine and alcohol.