How to revise for your post Christmas mock exams

19th December 2023 by Anita Naik

If you have mocks looming post-Christmas, you're not alone. Thousands of GCSE and A-level students will have mocks in January and February. And while it's hard to have to study through the winter break, here's how to keep the momentum going.

Mock exams may seem like a waste of time, but they play a crucial role in the exam process. The exams not only offer a realistic testing experience but help you to identify areas for improvement. This can boost your study strategies and increase your chances of success on the actual exam.

Experiencing the pressure of mock exams can also help you to manage your test-related stress and anxiety. The mocks provide an opportunity to develop coping strategies and build confidence in your ability to revise and sit for exams in an exam setting.

Your mock results can also help you to adapt your revision strategies. This might involve focusing on specific topic areas, changing the intensity of your revision sessions, or seeking additional help from peers, teachers and tutors.

As for revision itself, remember that the effectiveness of revision techniques will vary from person to person. However, it's only by trying different approaches and combining various methods that you will find what works best for you and the material you're studying.

8 revision techniques to try

1. Active recall is a technique that involves actively retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing or highlighting notes. Examples of active recall are flashcards, self-quizzing, and summarising information without looking at the source material. This cognitive effort enhances the consolidation and strengthening of neural connections associated with the recalled information.

2. Spaced repetition involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. This technique takes advantage of the spacing effect, suggesting that information is better retained when revisited at spaced intervals. Active recall often incorporates spaced repetition with it, leading to more efficient long-term retention of information.

3. Mind mapping creates visual representations of information through mind maps, which can help organise and connect concepts. This technique is effective for visual learners and can aid in recalling knowledge. Mind maps are created around a central theme or main idea and branch into subtopics and related details through radiating lines and nodes. This visual representation creates a more holistic view of a subject and encourages the brain to make associations and connections between different pieces of information.

4. Teaching the material to someone else is a powerful way to reinforce your understanding. Explaining concepts in your own words forces you to break down complex information into simpler terms, identify critical points, and articulate the material coherently. This process tests your knowledge and deepens your understanding by prompting you to consider different perspectives and anticipate potential questions.

5. Educational apps can provide interactive and engaging ways to revise. Some apps incorporate gamification elements to make the learning experience more effective. Engagement, competition, and immediate feedback contribute to a dynamic and interactive revision process.

6. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in short, focused intervals with breaks between, is a popular method for maintaining productivity. It works because it gives a structured approach to time management. The technique prevents burnout and fatigue by breaking the revision process into focused intervals, followed by a short break, allowing for sustained concentration during each session.

7. Some digital learning platforms use adaptive algorithms to tailor the learning experience to individual needs. These platforms assess your strengths and weaknesses and adjust the content accordingly. By personalising the revision process, adaptive algorithms ensure you receive targeted challenges, reinforcing areas requiring additional focus.

8. Reflective thinking is a valuable tool in the revision process as it prompts you to assess and consider the techniques you are using. By reflecting on what has been learned and what hasn't, you can identify areas that require more attention. Reflective thinking also helps refine your study strategies and enhance comprehension and retention.