Answer

Examination Skills: Preparing for and Succeeding in an Examination

Write an explanation of the reasons why you organized this revision timetable in the way that you did

            I organized my revision timetable in the way I did so I could get time for college, studying and my family. I also slotted in some time for myself so that I can rest in between studying and chores because I find that relaxing helps me to rejuvenate my mind and helps me maintain my productivity. I also allocated each activity an hour because I have realized that my concentration begins to fade if I study for more than an hour at a time. I therefore study for an hour then switch to another activity to avoid being unproductive.

            My timetable allows me to do most of my studying and schoolwork between 9 am and 5 pm so that I can be free to assist the children with their homework between 5pm and 6 pm. This hour is important to me because it provides me with an opportunity to not only bond with the children but also follow up on their schoolwork and know what is going on at school. My library study time falls somewhere between 9 am and 5 pm because I can comfortable access the library during these hours. I included library study time in my timetable because studying in the library makes it easier for me to do research.

            Since I am always busy on weekdays, I have created more “Free Time” for myself on weekdays so that I can be with my family. However, I still study a little during the weekends so that I do not break the habit of studying. My timetable helps me to maintain that consistency. The timetable I have created is most appropriate for me because it incorporates family, college and schoolwork and still gives me enough time to rest.

Explain how to use appropriate learning and revision techniques to enable effective preparation in the context of own learning styles.

            To make the most of learning and revision techniques that we have learnt so far, I first create a revision plan which I then follow to the last letter. Having a revision plan helps me to organize my activities so that I spend reasonable time on each individual activity. My revision plan also helps me to stay organized because I know what I should be working on at any given time. A revision plan is a very effective tool for examination preparation because it prevents time wastage; it helps to guide all my activities. It also ensures that I do not focus too much on one activity at the expense of others. Finally, my revision plan ensures I do not lose focus but instead follow through with my examination preparation to completion.

            The first item on my revision plan is creating a revision timetable that helps me know what to study at what time and for how long. Once my timetable is ready, I start my exam preparation by thinking up potential exam questions. The second thing I do is practice how to answer possible exam questions and essays. I time myself while doing this so that I do not waste time. The third step is to study my notes. I do this section by section and memorize the key points. When I have studied enough, I keep my notes away and then jot down as much as I can recall. This is the fourth step in my revision plan. Next, I compare what I have jotted down against my notes and check for deviations. Sixth, I jot down what I may have left out or gotten wrong and go through them till I can recall. The seventh thing I do is summarize the key points into separate paragraphs so that my work is more organized and easy to study. Next, I discuss with my colleagues. The sharing of ideas and techniques helps me to learn things that I may have overlooked. Finally, I use past exam papers to practice as I note the questions that are asked repeatedly.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of revision techniques and exam performance

  My revision techniques are very effective when combined because each technique has its own advantage. The technique of preparing a timetable before I start revising for an exam helps me to ensure I have allocated enough revision time for every subject. Next, thinking up potential answers helps me to anticipate problems and think up solutions before I sit an exam. This ensures that I do not get too many surprises in the exam room. Timing myself as I practice answering possible questions helps me train myself to answer questions within the allocated time so that I do not leave out some questions. Of course, if I leave some questions answered, I will probably get a lower score. This technique also helps me to avoid wasting time so that I can cover as many activities as possible.

            Studying my notes section by section helps me familiarize myself with the material provided by the lecturer. I find this to be a very effective technique because exams typically test what we learn in class. The fact that I do it section by section helps to reduce my workload so that I do not feel overwhelmed by the material. Hiding my notes and writing down everything I can recall helps me to track my progress so that I know what I understood and what I did not grasp. Checking my notes against what I have written helps me to determine areas that I need to keep working on so that my knowledge is spread evenly. Using past papers helps me to determine areas that I need to focus on. Finally, revising with my colleagues helps me to refresh my memory and learn more.

Identify areas for improvement of revision techniques and exam performance

My area for improvement was Exam 1. Unfortunately, I missed some lessons on drug calculations and had quite a hard time catching up with the rest of the class. I had to spend extra time practicing in class with some of my colleagues who proved to be very helpful. I also spent a lot of time going through lecture notes so that I could understand what the lecturer taught during those lessons. Finally, my lecturer was kind enough to go over my practice work with me and point out my mistakes which we worked on over and over again until I got them right. Eventually, I caught up and performed quite well in my examination.