Its the last lecture and you realise you've been listening (sort of) and reading (somewhat) and thinking (when writing assignments) but you know you're nowhere near ready to face exams.
Now it's time to hit the books and go into revision mode. Here are some tips to make cramming easier.
1) Go through everything and make a list of topic headings. Think of the bigger picture: usually there are six or seven big topics per semester.
2)Go through lecture notes. Divide them up into those big topics.
3)Go through your textbook. Make a list of pages that match your big topics.
4)Read the book pages that are relevant. Read the lecture notes. Do this in block mode. Now you have a great overvieew.
5)Highlight the key phrases in the lecture notes. You should only mark about 10 to 20% of the total text. Each highlighted item should spark a memory that brings back the information surrounding that key phrase.
6)Go through the book and take notes.
Tip: If you write these by hand, it will boost short-term memory into long-term memory. However, if you have messy handwriting, type up your notes instead. Your notes will form a visual memory too, so the aim is to be neat.
7)Add your lecture note highlights to your textbook notes.
8)Divide your notes into sections; one to each big topic.
9)Lay information out neatly. Now, highlight the key terms. Print and typed notes.
10)See how much revision time you have and make a schedule for reading through your notes. Aim to read them at least three to five times a day. Discard pages once you've mastered them.
Good luck with your exams.
