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One of the most common pressure points is the period leading up to exami-nations. So we will focus on how to reduce anxiety by effective revision and exam technique. From the time management tips in chapter 1 you will understand the need to leave plenty of time to revise, so that you do not get into a situation of having to do last-minute cramming. It may also be helpful to book some time off work. A timetable can motivate you and provide con-Frances offers the following reassurance:

‘There is a lot of pressure around exam times, given that it is over 30 years since I sat an exam. Revision dominated everything, but it was as much about the exam technique as the knowledge required.’

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fidence as you complete each topic. It is a good idea to start at least six weeks before your examination, and up to two months ahead if you feel particularly anxious.

You need to think about the following issues in order to draw up your revi-sion timetable:

 What are your examination start and end dates? Work your way back-wards from the exam date to cover each topic appropriately before the due date.

 Try to ensure you do something for each topic each week. Even just sum-marising your notes will keep the main subject ideas fresh in your mind.

 Are you going to work with other people? If so you need to check their availability.

 How do you work most effectively? If you do your work best first thing in the morning then allocate slots as appropriate. Also consider if you are more effective with short intensive sessions of less than an hour, or whole blocks of time such as an evening.

 Make sure you balance the time you have available between the sub-jects, not neglecting ones you find particularly easy or difficult.

 Which topics are you going to revise? It is unlikely that you will be able to revise everything, so you need to make some careful decisions based on past papers, course content and your own particular areas of interest.

 As you use your timetable, make sure you monitor your progress, per-haps using highlighter pens as a visual indication of how much you have completed. Do not forget to reward yourself when you complete a topic or at other key points. It may be helpful to compare draft revi-sion timetables with other students to see how they differ.

ACTIVITY 1 Plan your timetable

Now draw up your revision timetable for at least six weeks before the exams are due to start. Start by noting essential non-study commitments such as employment and important social or family dates. You may need to confirm work, childcare and other arrangements for the exam period. Then allocate topics to days, but do build in some flexibility.

Carol suggests you ‘start early to avoid any unexpected complications; it always takes longer than you think.’

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Marilyn suggests you ‘focus, start early – an hour of two of work a day really helps. Manage your day, if work has been dreadful then give yourself a night off.’

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The most effective way to revise is to really engage with and understand what you have learned. You will get very little from the process of reading and re-reading your notes. It is a good idea to experiment with several alter-native revision techniques so that it is more fun and your motivation to study is high. Here are some ideas for you to consider:

 Look closely at the assessment criteria for each of the subjects; this will tell you the standard your answers must be for each grade.

 Summarise your course materials onto index cards, thinking about appropriate headings. Look at the learning objectives published in the course handbook. Identify definitions, concepts, key points and exam-ples for each topic, then gradually reduce the number of cards you use. Eventually you will only have a few cards each containing the most important information. Test yourself on these.

 Try a wide range of memory strategies, use mind maps, diagrams or flowcharts, experiment with shapes and colour and make poster dis-plays, make up mnemonics for key facts, write out key ideas on Post-it notes and distribute around your house. For further ideas have a look at Tony Buzan’s short book, Brilliant Memory: unlock the power of your mind.

 Work with others from your degree course to form a ‘revision club’.

Here each of you tackle and present a particular theory or area of knowledge to the rest of your group, even devising possible exam questions for others to answer.

 Always work through questions from past papers if they are available, if possible listing a series of past questions for each area revised. After revising a topic, answer a question on it, and then compare your

Rob describes this technique: ‘It involved distilling ever more sum-marised versions of my notes onto index cards. By memorising the index cards I found I could build each topic back up when required, and apply the relevant information to the exam question.’

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Susan said: ‘I found having a “study buddy” invaluable. We used to meet up a couple of times a week, bounce ideas off each other and verbally answer the questions. I found this such a positive learning experience.’ Frances said: ‘A small number of us used to meet to have a coffee, compare notes and gener-ally support each other through the inevitable lows. This support group became essential at exam revision times. We met the weekend before the exam to stimulate our brains through constant conversation, question asking, exchanging ideas and views. It really helped to get “into the zone”.’

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answer to your notes. If you are short of time then an outline plan or a mindmap will do. If you can swap your answers with fellow students they may give you valuable feedback. Also look at model answers if they are available.

 As you get nearer to the exam date it is essential to practise writing answers in the time allocated. It is important that you practise writing quickly and neatly in longhand, as writing for three hours without a computer is a skill you may need to develop.

ACTIVITY 2 Take a practice exam

Choose an examination paper you have not studied closely and answer the

appropriate number of questions for the full exam. Work in a quiet place and do not take breaks. If possible give your answers to a fellow student to mark.