REVISION TOOLKIT
Making Revision EASY!
How do you use this toolkit?
Use the knowledge in the toolkit to help you with each step.
Step 1 – You work out how you learn
Step 2 – You work out what study/revision strategies work best for you, thinking about how you
learn.
Step 3 – You work out how to practise using this knowledge you have gained through
studying/revising to be successful in meeting your target grade or even exceeding it.
Step 4 – You know how to prepare for an examination and have a good examination technique
which will help you get the grade you deserve.
Step 5 – You will complete a revision action plan to get you on the road to success!
Revision Can Be Fun! – Just Give It a Try!
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STEP 1 - Types of Learners
There are many ways to remember facts and how to apply them, whether it is for studying or
for when you complete a test.
Not every method will work for you – this is because everyone has preferred ways of learning.
Therefore to understand what the best methods of remembering things are, you have to
understand how you prefer to learn first!
Look at the descriptions below to see what the main ways to learn are:
A visual learner:
• Prefers to read, to see the words, illustrations and diagrams;
• Talks quite fast, using lots of images;
• Memorises by writing repeatedly;
• When inactive, looks around, doodles or watches something;
• When starting to understand something says, ‘that looks right’;
• Is most distracted by untidiness.
An auditory learner:
• Likes to be told, to listen to the teacher, to talk it out;
• Talks fluently, in a logical order, and with few hesitations;
• Memorises by repeating words aloud;
• When inactive, talks to self or others;
• When starting to understand something says, ‘that sounds right’;
• Is most distracted by noises.
A kinaesthetic learner:
• Likes to get involved, hands on, to try it out;
• Uses lots of hand movements;
• Talks about actions and feelings; speaks more slowly;
• Memorises by doing something repeatedly;
• When inactive, fidgets, walks around;
• When starting to understand something says, ‘that feels right’;
• Is most distracted by movement or physical disturbance.
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You can do all of these if you try but you might prefer one of them or even two of them. Look
below and see which ones you prefer:
When you do this…
Do you do this…?
Visual
Auditory
Physical
Spell a word
Try to visualise it (Does
it look right?)
Sound it out (Does it
sound right?)
Write it down (Does it
feel right?)
Are concentrating
Get most distracted by
untidiness
Get most distracted by
noises
Get most distracted by
movement, or physical
disturbance
Choose a favourite art
form
Prefer paintings
Prefer music
Prefer dance/sculpture
Talk
Talk quite fast, but
keep idle conversation
limited. Use lots of
images, e.g. ‘It’s like a
needle in a haystack’.
Talk fluently with an
even pace, in a logical
order and with few
hesitations. Enunciate
clearly
Use lots of hand
movements, talk about
actions and feelings.
Speak more slowly with
longer pauses
Meet people
Remember mostly how
they looked / the
surroundings
Remember mostly what
was said / remember
their names
Remember mostly what
you did with them /
remember their emotions
See a movie, watch TV or
read a novel
Remember best what
the scenes / what the
people looked like
Remember best what
was said – and how the
music sounded
Remember best what
happened / the
character’s emotions
Relax
Generally prefer
reading / TV
Generally prefer music
Generally prefer games,
sports
Try to interpret someone’s
mood
Mainly note their facial
expression
Listen to their tone of
voice
Watch body movements
Are recalling something
Remember what you saw
/people’s faces / how
things looked
Remember what was
said /people’s names /
jokes
Remember what was done
– what it felt like
Are memorizing something
Prefer to memorise by
writing something
repeatedly
Prefer to memorise by
repeating words aloud
Prefer to memorise by
doing something
repeatedly
Are choosing clothes
Choose almost
exclusively by how they
look, how they
coordinate and by the
colours
Take a lot of notice of
the brand name, what
the clothes ‘say’ about
you
Choose mainly on how they
feel, the comfort, the
texture
Are angry
Become silent and
seethe
Express it in an
outburst
Storm about, clench your
fists, throw things
Are inactive
Look around, doodle,
watch something
Talk to yourself or
others
Fidget, walk about
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So how does this understanding make a difference to how you remember and apply information?
Look at the table below and note what activities someone with your preferred learning style
would like to do and therefore activities to aid revision.
Preferred
Learning Style
Visual
Auditory
Kinaesthetic
Activities
Example Revision
strategies
Diagrams, charts, videos, films,
graphs,
posters, concept maps, pamphlets,
textbooks,
drawing, visualisation (creating
mental
pictures), collages, colour highlighting
Mind maps, spider diagrams, create
a story using pictures, 'Look,
Cover, Write, Check' with lists and
key words.
Summarising.
Discussion, group work, pair work,
debates,
interviewing, expositions,
presentations,
improvisations, listening to guest
speakers,
mnemonics, writing notes and essays,
poems, sketches, stories, reading
Mnemonics, sharing and testing
ideas with your friends as part of a
game, make up a pop sing with the
key words or themes in the lyrics
and then record it.
DART, role-play, dance, model
making,
simulations, ‘show me’ cards, freezeframes,
improvisation, associating ideas with
movements, human graphs, human
sentences or timelines, field trips,
games,
competitions
Put post-it notes around the house
with key words in them and walk
around the house testing yourself.
Create a dance which shows a
sequence ideas of ideas like a
chemical reaction.
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In this next section there is more information about revision strategies so do not panic
if you do not understand them at the moment.
Please note that if you are in a lesson which involves you using a learning style which is not your
preferred one then that does not mean you cannot do it. You can do it; it just means you just
need to try a little harder. Improving your ability to learn using your non-preferred style is a
very good thing to do as you become a better learner!
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STEP 2 - What can I do to remember?
First tip – try to engage as many senses as you can when revising as this will aid the memorising
process.
Here is a list of revision/study techniques which could help you remember things. Remember,
you can adapt them depending on your preferred learning style - there are pointers about this
during this section.
1) Look, Cover, Write, Check
First of all make notes on a topic you are studying. Then look at them for 2 minutes only!
For example look at the list below.
Regular Aerobic Exercise
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Increase heart muscle
Increase stroke volume
Decrease resting heart rate
Lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Increase tidal and vital capacity in lungs
Increase muscle size
Decrease blood cholesterol levels
Improve a person’s resistance to disease
Cover it so you cannot see it (Cheaters do not remember things in tests). Get a friend to test
you or if you are on your own just write down what you can remember. Then look at it again for
2 minutes. Have a 10 minute break and then do it again.
If you do not use this information you will lose it so remember the 3 Strike rule!
STRIKE 1 – do this during the lesson if possible
STRIKE 2 – do it again the night of the lesson
STRIKE 3 – do it again at the start of the next lesson. It should then STICK!
2) Summarising
Read through the information you need to revise. Scan for key words and then highlight them.
List the key words. Go back and check you have not missed anything and that you have
understood what you have written. For example:
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Educational research shows that students enjoy their learning and do well when they
understand how to revise. A revision schedule that starts at the beginning of the year and is
structured until their examinations, has been shown to be the most effective strategy. Combined
with such activities as coaching on revision techniques, practising those techniques in situ, preexamination preparation sessions and revision schools results in most students exceeding their
target grade.
Now try to summarise this text.
It should look like this:
Educational research shows that students enjoy their learning and do well when they
understand how to revise. A revision schedule that starts at the beginning of the year and is
structured until their examinations has been shown to be the most effective strategy.
Combined with such activities as coaching on revision techniques, practising those techniques in
situ, pre-examination preparation sessions and revision schools results in most students
exceeding their target grade.
And then it should look like this:
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
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enjoy their learning
understand how to
revise
beginning of the year
structured
effective
coaching
practising
pre-examination
revision schools
But what can you do now? Well, you could 'look, cover, write, check'.
You could make up a story which has these words in it.
You could draw a picture which represents each word.
You can even create a memorable phrase or sentence from the first letter of each word. This is
called a Mnemonic.
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3) Mind Mapping
If you are revising more than just some text and you are covering a whole topic, then Mind
Mapping is really good!
First of all get a nice big piece of plain paper and lots of coloured pens/pencils.
Write the topic in the middle of a page, using also pictures and colours to make it clear what
the topic is about. Take 4 main ideas about the topic and draw branches coming from the middle
– write you main ideas on each branch. Then think of any words associated with the ideas and
draw mini branches coming from the main branch with the words on each one. Make it colourful
so each idea is represented by a certain colour, use symbols/pictures to reinforce what it is
about. Then try and see if there are any links between the ideas (branches) and make those
clear on your diagram.
See an example below:
Remember you work out which one is best for you thinking about how you are as a learner.
4) Just some other ideas from other students which work for them:
For each word, come up with a specific visual example. This will help you
to see the differences between the terms, and help you to use the words
correctly.
Make up some question
cards with questions on the
front and answers on the
back! Then make a right, an
almost, and a wrong pile.
Keep going through the
questions till they are all in
the right pile, but make this
FUN!! Give yourself rewards
when you get them all
correct!!' use
Memorise the words whilst listening to a
particular song or album. Then, when you
need to remember the words, remembering
I think one of the best ways to learn something is
to make a song about it with a catchy tune, so you
can remember all the information more easily'.
For each topic, write up one set of index cards with the word on the
front, and the definition on the back. Shuffle them and drill yourself.
Take turns with a classmate testing each other.
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If you've got a
favourite song
then change the
words to facts that
you need to
remember; you
should find that
they stick in your
mind longer if you
associate them
with a tune.
Revising with your friends can be
good fun but be careful as you can
also get too distracted. Make it
into a game to make sure you stay
focused – for example use
monopoly money and the rules of
Who Wants to be a Millionaire
to see who gets the richest.
Decorate your bedroom wall by using a bright array of
coloured paper, post-it notes, bright diagrams and peg words.
This way, whatever you're doing, you are constantly looking
at your revision notes! A toilet is also a good place to put
revision post-it notes – ask the rest of your family first though!
What you need: a small pile of notes (Post-it or
similar) and a biro
What to do: Write all the key words from your
subject onto the notes, then stick them all over your
house. As you walk around and see the words,
challenge yourself to be able to say what they mean.
If you can't do one then you look it up. Keep going
until you know them all (or they all fall down!)
What you need: an A4 sheet of paper, an A5 sheet of paper
and a postcard
What to do: First, write out the key topics onto your A4
paper. Fit as much on as you can. Then, take only the
important bits and copy the information onto the A5 piece.
Try to fit it all on! Condense it again onto the postcard. You
should now have only the very important words left.
How to extend it: Can you get all the important points on the
back of a business card?
If you still do not understand a topic, or an idea linked to the topic, then do not be an ostrich
and put your head in the sand. ASK SOMEONE or FIND OUT – a teacher, a friend, a parent.
Look on the web and in the revision guide books which are available from school. See some
useful sites below:
1. http://www.y9booster.org.uk/ Year 9 SATs revision site for pupils and parents which contains
lots of revision ideas, plus a downloadable leaflet (English, Maths and Science).
2. http://revisioncentral.co.uk/ Here you will find revision notes, links, tips, and many other
resources to help you make the most of your revision and get through those exams!
3. www.learn.co.uk/revision learn.co.uk — the educational website from the Guardian — has a simple
mission statement: to support, stimulate and succeed.
4. www.revision-notes.co.uk Free revision and course notes for a range of different subjects.
5. www.homeworkhigh.com Channel 4 site where you can ask for help with homework or revision
6. www.homeworkelephant.co.uk Lots of help on lots of subjects
7. www.revisiontime.com A comprehensive site which covers a number of subjects
8. www.sparknotes.com A comprehensive site which covers a number of subjects
9. http://www.rm.com/qca/
10. www.u2learn.com Promotes positive learning styles for SATs, GCSE and A level
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STEP 3 - Do I know how to use this knowledge to do well
in my lessons and when I complete any tests?
You will do some past exam and practice questions in your
lessons. Make your own ones up at home.
The main way you can do this online is through the
website below which is excellent - try it!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/
Another tip to know how to use your knowledge is to
understand what level you are working on at the moment.
Then make sure you know what level you should be getting
and then find out how you need to apply your knowledge
to get there! Your teacher will be able to tell you all of
this information.
Knowing something about Shakespeare is fine but if you
do not know how to write down your ideas then you will
not get the marks you deserve!
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STEP 4 -Exam Preparation and Exam Technique
•
•
•
•
•
•
Have a revision plan and stick to it.
Show your family your revision plan so they can be aware when not to disturb you or also
when you might need help/support. Plan in some rewards for yourself for keeping to you
revision plan.
A healthy body equals a healthy mind. Avoid the crisps and chocolate as it will not give
you the long term energy you need to study. Have regular meals. Snack healthily and drink
plenty of water. Try to exercise regularly – take the dog for a walk, join a club etc. This
will give you a clear head and limit any stress so you can revise efficiently. Make sure you
regularly sleep well – no late nights if you can help it.
Think positively – do not think of what you cannot do at the moment. Think of your
strengths and how you can build upon them. Visualise success!
Day before: The revision has been done. All you need to do is to refresh and remind. Try
and avoid cramming at the last moment. Make sure you have all of the relevant equipment
needed for the exam. Then relax.
On the day:
Read
– all instructions carefully so you know what questions to answer, what they are worth
and which ones are compulsory. Avoid leaping to the first easy question.
Plan – which questions you want to answer and in what order. How much time you have got for
each one. Look at where the clock is and how long the exam is. Check the clock at regular
intervals. Use a quick bullet list of points to structure your ideas. Use any spare time to check
through your answers to avoid silly errors.
Write – answers which answer directly the question. Keep to the point. Be neat. Do not
spend too long a single question. DO not leave questions unanswered – an intelligent guess can
often get you extra marks.
Avoid – cheating. It is not worth the stress. Make sure you do not communicate to anyone
else in the exam hall – by looking as well as talking. Keep your head down. If you have a problem
calmly raise your hand. Do not panic – sometimes rereading the paper helps! Also be aware of
your breathing – take a couple of deep breaths to calm down and collect your thoughts.
If you take a water bottle in then make sure there is no label on it and put your pens and pencils
in a clear plastic bag.
•
After the exam – avoid worrying about it. You have done the best you can and so all you
have to do is to keep visualising your success and relax.
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Completing a revision plan
Ask yourself the following questions:
How many weeks to my first exam?
What is the maximum amount of time that I am willing to revise on a weekday, a
Saturday and on a typical Sunday?
– How many topics am I expected to revise for each subject?
– How hard do you find each topic and how big is each topic?
–
–
Using the answers from the above questions to note down in a Revision Planner how many hours
you might need to revise each one. There is a blank template of one under the example below.
NOTE – THE TOPICS IN THE EXAMPLE ARE NOT THE ONES YOU WILL NEED TO REVISE!
Revision Planner for Science (Example!)
Topic
Time Needed
Completed / help required
Science
Paper 1
•
Inheritance and Selection
3 hours (OK)
•
Structures and Bonding
3hours (OK)
•
Waves and Radiation
4 hours (hard)
•
Humans as organisms
2 hours (easy)
•
Maintenance of life
2 hours (easy)
•
Metals
2 hours (easy)
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Science
Paper 2
•
Environment
2 hours (easy)
•
Patterns of chemical
change
5 hours (v. difficult)
•
Forces
5 hours (v. difficult)
•
Earth Materials
2 hours (easy)
•
Energy
2 hours (easy)
•
Electricity
2 hours (easy)
Total : 34 hours
Revision planner for English
Topic
Time Needed
Completed / help required
14
Revision planner for Maths
Topic
Time Needed
Completed / help required
15
Revision Planner for Science
Subject
Time Needed
Completed / help required
16
Then plan when you going to revise each topic so you have covered everything you need up to the
exam. Remember to leave time nearer the exam to refresh and remind yourself of topics you
have already revised. See an example below and then fill out the blank templates.
JAN
a.m.
p.m.
Evening
Mon 12th
Tue 13th
school
school
school
school
Wed 14th
school
school
Thu 15th
school
school
Fri 16th
Sat 17th
school
E – Letter
writing
E – Report
writing
school
Football
Match
Malgebra
S - Light
S – Acid
and
Alkaline
Mfractions
Football
training
Break
Break
Sun 18th
Support
available
Break
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Revision Calendar
Month
a.m.
p.m.
Evening
Support
available
a.m.
p.m.
Evening
Support
available
a.m.
p.m.
Evening
Support
available
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Month
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Month
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
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STEP 5 – Action Plan
In form time you will get time to fill this out – remember to ask your form
tutor if you are not sure of what to do.
My Learning Style is ……………………………………
The Revision Strategies that work for me are
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The websites I have visited are
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The main points I will work on to help my exam preparation are
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I have filled in a Revision Planner and a Revision Calendar. (Tick if you have )
The support I will find to help me with the whole process is…..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Remember!
Revision GIVES YOU CONFIDENCE –
Just Give It a Try!
The key is ORGANISATION AND PUTTING
IN THE HOURS
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