Story by: Conner Keys
Revising is often a sensitive topic for students
We either don’t know how to do it or don’t know how to do it effectively or simply just get distracted. All. The. Time. With year 2 mock exams fast approaching, listed are some tips and tricks for ways to improve the effectiveness of your studying.
Top Tip
Don’t listen to music with lyrics; this can distract your brain too much meaning you’ll focus less on your work and more on what the music is saying.
Try listening to something like instrumental rock, classical music, or ambient music.
Music Music Music
For those that struggle to keep your mind focussed on just one thing, listening to music while studying can help to stimulate your brain, allowing you to focus easier on your revision. Music allows your brain to shift focus between two mediums, causing it to be ‘content’ with the amount of stimulation it’s receiving.
Context is Key!
It may not be possible to do this every revision session however, try to revise in an academic setting. A psychological study (Godden and Baddeley 1975) on context dependent memory concluded that information is remembered easier when it’s recalled in the same context it was learnt. Applying this to study methods, revising in an academic setting (maybe even in the place you will sit your exam) will make it easier for you to bring the information back to the front of your mind.
Trial and Error
Most people are probably super overwhelmed with the amount of revision methods out there. The best thing to do is to experiment! Try as many methods as you can until you find one that works for you then stick with that method. You won’t know what works if you don’t try.
In simple terms: don’t give up! Keep trying until you find what works best for you; this can include revision methods, music, and more.
