1. Revision techniques Department of German Dr Tracy Johnson

2. What should revision do? 1.Check your understanding 2.Make links and connections 3.Remind yourself of forgotten material 4.Reinforce your learning 5.Identify and fill gaps in knowledge (Cottrell: 2006)

3. What is effective revision? Where you interact with the material and make it meaningful to yourself. (Cottrell: 2006)

4. How to revise What do you do already? Active learning: Creation not consumption Involves the whole mind and body Learn by doing the task Works on different levels simultaneously

5. Acquire information Make sure you understand both the ‘big picture’ and the ‘core themes’ Use your senses: VAK Visual Auditory Kinaesthetic Proactive methods – create don’t consume!

6. Search out meaning Mind-maps: Patterns Relationships Themes Work with others Use mock questions to apply ideas

7. Trigger recall Condense information to key terms – ‘pack up’ knowledge Mind Maps/diagrams – use of senses Mnemonics/Acronyms Object-association/Memory ‘Palaces’ Rehearse recall

8. Mindful state What helps you get in the right state to revise successfully? Planned time Reverse time-line Breaks and time off Variety Maximise concentration

9. Mindful state Location: Well lit/ventilated/heated Free from distractions History of success Being with the right people Well-being: Sleep Lack of anxiety – sense of control Avoid stimulants

10. Bloom’s Taxonomy of Skills 1.Recall 2.Comprehension 3.Application 4.Analysis 5.Synthesis 6.Evaluation

11. Analysis is: Being systematic and thorough Breaking it down into its component parts Internal analysis – how does the argument work? External analysis – contextualise it Could you explain it to someone else? A largely objective process Always asking questions

12. Criticism is: Offering your interpretation Weighing up, judging, justifying Comparing and contrasting with other sources to evaluate Considering a range of perspectives Always asking questions A largely subjective process

13. When practising: Start by brainstorming Then draft an outline plan Consider fresh angles Think of a range of perspectives Time yourself for a full answer Write down the timings in the exam

14. Thank you and good luck!