revision techniques

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department revision tips

More important than anything you do, make sure that you notes (both classwork and revision) are organised and up to date. This is crucial if you are to be able to revise correctly. Below are a series of methods that you can use to revise, but which will also help you answering questions in you examination:

categorising a topic

For many people, learning triggers are a very efficient way of accessing things in your memory. Learning is most efficient when the triggers are classified (or divided into logical groups) as clearly as possible. There are various different categories available to you. Try completing the tables below with case studies you have learned:
Causes Effects Solutions
     

 

            

This table could be used to help you look at a shanty town case study in Sao Paulo, Brazil                                                (Blank word version here)

 
Primary Effects          
 

Secondary Effects     

 

                              

This table could be used to consider the impact of a volcano in Montserrat or flooding in Bangladesh                      (Blank word version here)

 
    Argument for development Arguments against development Neutral points
Economic                                       
Social                                               
Environmental                                  

This table could be used when looking at whether or not to develop a Greenfield site e.g. Newcastle Great Park        (Blank word version here)

 

memory maps

Memory maps are great for whole brain thinking and for emphasising, associating, classifying and personalising. It helps store information efficiently making it easy to retrieve. Below is an example of a students memory map for tectonics:

 

 

 

The basic rules for memory mapping are:

1. Use a central, colourful image

2. Keep paper horizontal

3. Add blank lines

4. PRINT ALL WORDS

5. Limit words per line

6. Keep all writing upright

7. Use links and associations

8. Use images linked to the words

9. Use colour linked to the words

10. Vary size

concept maps

Make the links and think through the connections that exist between concepts that may appear to be unrelated. It is a way to graphically organise your ideas. It transfers joined-up thinking into joined-up writing. See mapwork for an example.

 

targeting the question

Quite often students simply attempt to write down everything they know about a topic in the hope that they can pick up marks. THIS IS WRONG! You must:

1. Analyse the question and evaluate the information available

2. Decide what's important and what's not

3. Use your knowledge flexibly when the question changes to what you did not expect

 

case study bingo

This is a great and fun way to revise on your own or with friends. For this you must have a list of questions and a list of case studies. One person will ask the questions and the other person must then decide what case studies are relevant:

Click here to play case study bingo

 
Created and Produced by P.Laird 4th April 2004