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How to revise

So I'm retaking and I have to switch exam boards for biology and psychology, what is the best way to revise, especially for biology where there are only slight differences in content. I've been reading through the book and making notes but I don't think that's working very well, just reminding me of the content for me to then forget it the next day.

Would it be good to read the whole topic, then do blurting then edit then do flashcards then exam questions? Is there a better order or way. I'm going to the library so I'm not doing videos really, should I watch those instead of reading? In the morning and evening before and after the library?

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by helloyesilizzie

So I'm retaking and I have to switch exam boards for biology and psychology, what is the best way to revise, especially for biology where there are only slight differences in content. I've been reading through the book and making notes but I don't think that's working very well, just reminding me of the content for me to then forget it the next day.
Would it be good to read the whole topic, then do blurting then edit then do flashcards then exam questions? Is there a better order or way. I'm going to the library so I'm not doing videos really, should I watch those instead of reading? In the morning and evening before and after the library?

Hi @helloyesilizzie,

I took biology during my A-Levels as well, here are some tips and techniques that helped me. Biology is a very memorisation heavy based subject, techniques such as flashcards and blurting were super helpful for me. I'd often use flashcards to memorise biological mechanisms and processes- I'd often rely on the mark scheme to help me write the bullet points to these biological processes.

I think your way of revising is fine, but perhaps focus on topical exam questions. This way, when you apply everything you revised from the topic you just covered into topical questions- you are more likely to cement the topic into your memory. Sometimes videos can be helpful when you are trying to grasp the concept of these mechanisms as visualising it can make it easier to understand than the few diagrams illustrated in textbooks.

Sometimes textbooks do tell you more than what you need to know, so it's important to frequently refer to the subject syllabus.

Hope this helps,
Danish
BCU Student Rep

Reply 2

LancashireRep1

Official Rep

Original post

by helloyesilizzie

So I'm retaking and I have to switch exam boards for biology and psychology, what is the best way to revise, especially for biology where there are only slight differences in content. I've been reading through the book and making notes but I don't think that's working very well, just reminding me of the content for me to then forget it the next day.
Would it be good to read the whole topic, then do blurting then edit then do flashcards then exam questions? Is there a better order or way. I'm going to the library so I'm not doing videos really, should I watch those instead of reading? In the morning and evening before and after the library?

Hi there! 🙂

When I was revising, I also wasn't sure what was the most effective way to revise but I would say the best way to this is to find the right way that works for you. This may take a few days of experimenting but it will be worth it! Somethings that could help with this are:

1: Creating a structured plan of what you will study each day. This doesn't need to be in a form of calendar but even just noting what you will study each day may help. It helped me to focus on one project each day rather then trying to focus on multiple for shorter periods of time each day.

2: Have you tried making your revision more visual? This helped me as I am more of a visual person so watching videos was great or having diagrams within my notes too.

3: Lists helped me a lot too. Listing what my strength and weakness may be so I know what I need to spend more time on for each project. Making a list of the most common exam topics could also be useful.

4: Don't forge to take regular breaks and stay hydrated. This is something that helped me as I would begin revising without any breaks or liquids and then I wouldn't get as much benefits from the revising as I was tired and unfocused

.Hope this helps and good luck!
🙂Zac^

Reply 3

DrNeutro

1: Creating a structured plan of what you will study each day. This doesn't need to be in a form of calendar but even just noting what you will study each day may help. It helped me to focus on one project each day rather then trying to focus on multiple for shorter periods of time each day.2: Have you tried making your revision more visual? This helped me as I am more of a visual person so watching videos was great or having diagrams within my notes too.3: Lists helped me a lot too. Listing what my strength and weakness may be so I know what I need to spend more time on for each project. Making a list of the most common exam topics could also be useful.4: Don't forge to take regular breaks and stay hydrated. This is something that helped me as I would begin revising without any breaks or liquids and then I wouldn't get as much benefits from the revising as I was tired and unfocused.Hope this helps and good luck!

Reply 4

DrNeutro

: Don't forge to take regular breaks and stay hydrated. This is something that helped me as I would begin revising without any breaks or liquids and then I wouldn't get as much benefits from the revising as I was tired and unfocused