Revision Woes

It is definitely that time of year AGAIN!

As a teacher I now see both sides of the exam stress. Not only am I still undertaking my own exams but I also get the pleasure of marking my own students work.

This year marked the end of my exam years (fingers crossed) and having worked out that I have sat exams annually for the past 13 years, I figured I would put forward some tips:

1. It is IMPOSSIBLE to revise all day ever day. People who say they do are lying. It is much better to work towards a break/reward and it will encourage you to keep revising for more than two days before you burn out.

2. Concentration is a skill. It can be trained. There are many links online who provide motivational tips to help increase your concentration span. My personal favourite is the 'training method'. Much like a marathon runner will slowly work up to their target, so should you in terms of revision. Start with 20 minutes, 10 minute break. Work then for 30 minutes, have a 5 minute break. Work for an hour and have a 10 minute break.

3. Asking for help is not a weakness. Teachers are still getting paid even if you are on exam leave. Email them and get an appointment to get to grips with that topic thats been tripping you up all year.

4. Remove distractions. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and general iPhone mulling are my own personal revision vices. They will still be there when you are finished and no one wants to explain to their mum they failed their exams because they were watching cat videos on YouTube!!!