Here it is, the time where you need to dedicate most of your time to revising for your end of course tests. For some, tests and assignments are a stage where they can flaunt their knowledge and really thrive under pressure, but for most, it’s an intimidating and nerve-wracking kind of environment. That’s why we’re aiming to make the whole revision process a little bit more fun and creative. This way, you can feel a lot more relaxed about going into your test, knowing that you’ve done what you can in the most imaginative way.
We get it, you’re an adult so drawing and colouring seem like a foreign art that you retired from when you were 6, and we know this sounds like a task that would be given to primary school children. However, when it comes to studying, these tips really work; trust us. We’re not here to patronise or to be childish, we’re simply stating the facts on how you can make revision much more bearable. Similarly, making things much more visually stimulating can help particular learners in retaining information so it’s not all wasted time. In fact, it’s all very productive.
- Make colourful and creative posters:
The colours and pictures stimulate your brain and senses in a way that makes things much more memorable. Colours and pictures can act as switches that jog your memory, especially for visual learners. In exactly the same way that brands use posters to stimulate your attention and use colours as persuasive devices, creating posters with an abundance of colour and pictures can be a method of grabbing your attention. Therefore, colour is imperative when used for your studies as they positively impact your learning.
- Colour code your flashcards
The age old trick of colour coding. Like the point above, you would be associating different meanings or topics with particular modules, or vice versa, making the information easier to recall. Association is an extremely effective way of revising.
- Decorate your folder/ring binder
There’s nothing like adding a bit of colour and personality to your surroundings. Again, this may sound childish but it’s unbelievable how effective this is in terms of your motivation, productivity and revision. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone about your Tom Hardy/Taylor Swift themed folder…)
- Create mnemonics and songs to help you remember any difficult formulas
Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain… We all remember them to this day. That’s how effective they are!
- Study to your favourite songs
It’s actually quite scary how quickly the human brain recalls songs, melodies and lyrics, so it makes sense that you revise to your favourite and most well-known songs. Hopefully, you’ll end up knowing module information like the back of your hand… or should we say, favourite song?
- Redecorate your home (with posters and post-it notes)
Now, we’re not saying to make any permanent changes, but it might help the revision process if you stick post-it notes or posters on your walls and doors to help recall any information that you think needs remembering as an urgent matter! For example, stick things on your fridge, or cupboards and force yourself to either read a statement or answer a question before opening anything. This is just another example of a creative way to retain information.
- Play games and revise with others
Everybody likes board games so why don’t you incorporate some revision material into your favourite games? For instance, replace the questions in Trivial Pursuit with questions that relate to your course. Similarly, replace the chance cards in Monopoly. If you get the questions wrong, you owe the banker more money etc. This way, you’re revising and having fun simultaneously!
- Make use of whiteboards
Remember how exciting it was when the teachers got the whiteboards out during a lesson? Recreate that feeling with a white board of your own! Get someone to ask you quick questions and then you can flash the answer back at them! Simple but very effective.
- Create storyboards relating to your studies
Sometimes it’s good to place facts or information in and amongst a narrative. People are more likely to remember a chronological account of something rather than oddly placed numbers, facts and statements, so this a very fun way of incorporating information into a logical format.
- Take some time out to envisage where you could be after you’ve completed the course
Visualise it; you need to have an end-goal at the end of all of the gruelling revision that you’ve been doing. So, envision yourself holding that certificate, or getting that dream career because you’re so close to earning the requirements for the job!
- Remember to take some time for yourself!
Don’t forget to take some time for R&R. Although we like to think so, we’re not well oiled machines that can carry one for hours and hours. It’s been proven that short bursts with regular breaks is more effective than slogging it out ad revising for long hours. Remember to get plenty of sleep too; there’s no point in doing all of the above if you’re not rested enough to recollect vital module material.
Become a creative revision genius by following these simple steps! Remember, don’t panic and good luck with your end-of-course tests.
