Top 10 Expert Tips For Exam Revision – Teachers Suggest Revising for GCSEs Now
According to 82% of teachers, tests and exams have the biggest impact on pupils’ mental health, and 15% of GCSE students are ‘highly test anxious’ (research by Tutorful). To help with effective goal-setting and handling stress, these experts have provided their top tips to help with revision and ultimately improve exam results. The specialists include a headteacher, a Director from the University of Cambridge, and a time coach.
Top tips
- Distractions. These days, we’re always trying to multitask. Whenever we’re at home, the TV is always on in the background or we’re scrolling on our phones. We’ve become accustomed to having this background noise, however when it comes down to important tasks like revision, we should really try to remove these distractions. Instead of allowing your child to revise with a movie on in the background, make sure they split their time between silent, focused revision followed by time to relax and do their own thing. James Hamlin, CMO of Tutorful, the experts in online tutoring
- Make a plan, but don’t forget to set aside time to relax and enjoy doing the things that make you happy. Dr Ems Lord, University of Cambridge
- If you are struggling to remember facts, place them in a narrative story, and retell yourself the story repeatedly. In an exam, you are more likely to remember that story with the facts. Dr Rachael Kent, a digital health consultant
- Learn to undertake mindfulness activities to settle your mind and develop a growth mind-set attitude so that you can cope with not always being successful – it is all part of learning. Cheryl Smith, Headteacher, Northampton
- Search for short educational videos or documentaries online which complement your studies.Sophie Simpson, community organisation Conscious Youth:
- If you prefer to listen than read, then get an audiobook version of the text. If you’re struggling to understand something, find some video content that can help you get the background. Dr Amanda Gummer, The Good Play Guide
- Work in short bursts to maintain focus and make sure you don’t get demotivated or over tired. Take frequent breaks and balance it with exercise, activity and getting outdoors.Clare Evans, Time and Productivity Coach
- Over cramming for exams can actually be detrimental. Little and often keeps you fresh and can help with concentration levels. Rob Jennings, the Dyscalculia Network
- Search for online and revision apps early so your child can go over areas they feel the least confident about while having plenty of time to practice and really master certain concepts. Leon Hady, Guide Plus, a video library to help people become better educators
- When you work with a friend, not only do you come up with better ideas, but it feels less like working. Ray Sadoun, mental health specialist
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