Finding the right mindset and motivation to revise is a hard task for many. Procrastination usually sets in and we find it hard to concentrate. These tips and tricks, however, will help you to focus, engage your long-term memory and ultimately enable you to reach your academic goals. 
 

-Make sure your notes are clear and sufficiently detailed. This way you can review them later as study notes.

-Be inquisitive, curiosity can only promote your learning. Ask questions, either online or to the teacher. Teachers are usually more than willing to share their knowledge and it doesn't hurt to have a clearer view on a subject. Don't let your queries sit as it will be too late to ask about them in an exam.

-Make a study schedule. Plan out specific days of the week to revise certain subjects and stick to it - consistency is key. It's better to learn little and often than to pull all nighters before exam day.

-Make a habit of reviewing your class notes every evening. This will help to move material from your short-term memory into your long-term memory. Simplify or condense your notes from class so that they can be helpful visual aids for revision such as mind maps or charts. Here's a useful model schedule to follow:

Day 1- Learn material

Day 2- Revisit and review

Day 3- Revisit and review

After 1 week- Revisit and review

After 2 weeks- Revisit and review

 

-Have your friends keep you accountable. Arrange study groups and ask them to remind you about deadlines.

-Have a change in scenery now and again, go to a local coffee shop or a library. A switch in study area is proven to be an effective concentration tactic and helps to develop your memory. Alternatively, find a study space that works for you, perhaps a desk in your room and always revise in that area. That way your brain associates learning with that specific space.

-Leitner System

The Leitner System is a learning technique based on flashcards that you keep in boxes. Every card starts in a box. If you answer a card right, you move it along to the next box. If you get it wrong, keep it in the same box or move it up a number.

Box 1- everyday

Box 2- every 2 days

Box 3- every 4 days

Box 4- every 9 days

Box 5- every 14 days
 

-Finally, the colour-coded technique. Colour helps differentiate between important information and waffle. Warm tones are better at stimulating brain activity so writing down key points in red and highlighting important information in yellow is useful. Organising topics by colour and outlining only key information is great too.

 

I hope these methods helped your revision and I'm sure they will increase your academic potential. Exam season can be a stressful time but with lots of past preparation, it should make your revision session seem a little more manageable.