Quirky revision
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Let's face it, revision can be boring. So here are some ways you can get it done and perhaps even make it fun.
Revision sing-a-long
Songs are a lot easier to remember than facts, quotes or historical events. This is because they have rhythm, catchy lyrics and hooks - so why not turn your revision notes into songs?
Just pick one of your favourite tracks and apply your notes as the lyrics. To put a little spin on things, you could even write a rap. Find out how. The song might not sound right at first, but you'll soon get the hang of it.
You could even record your self-penned track and play it over and over again to help you out. If you sync it to your mp3 you’ll also be able to listen to it whilst you’re out and about.
Screen helpings
Instead of sticking to your books and notes, why not take revision to the big screen? Loads of books and literature have been adapted in to films - it's just a matter of looking for them. However, make sure you select a film that is completely based on the original book and not an adapted one.
Invite some friends over to watch the film with you, and have a cool night in with some snacks at the ready. Afterwards you can form a study group and discuss all your findings.
Games
Almost any game can be used as a revision tool. They’re extra effective if you’ve got people to play with you too.
Quiz alert
Get a few friends together and create some quiz questions using your revision notes.
For every question you get right, give yourself 10 points, but for every wrong answer, deduct 10. Set a point score to reach and give yourself a treat once you achieve it – or even better, let your friends treat you. However, the person who loses the quiz must forfeit!
To make the quiz more fun, categorise the questions in to levels – from easiest to hardest, and set points for each level. This way you can revise in bite sized chunks.
Try to play around with the questions too - make them funny, create riddles or set up some multiple answers.
Snappy sentences
An acrostic is a snappy sentence, riddle or code that helps you remember terms, sequences and general revision notes.
Using the first letters of key words in the sequence or question that you have to remember, create a sentence that will remind you of everything you need to know. A common acrostic is the one used to remind people of the planets in our solar system:-
‘My (Mercury) very (Venus) energetic (Earth) mother (Mars) just (Jupiter) swam (Saturn) underneath (Uranus) the North (Neptune) Pole (Pluto).’
Online
There are lots of online resources that are available to help you revise. Get Revising covers revision tips from GCSE and A Level and even helps you get started by creating a timetable for you. It also has a feature that allows you to create word searches and quiz games that include all the key terms you need to remember.
You might be able to get some help on YouTube as well. Watch this video of a helpful student who teaches you about Psychology.
Don't let revision drive you crazy! Take some time out with Revision World, which links to fun games and competitions that will help you chill out.
