Revising as a study skill strengthens the memory of the learned material. As such, the principles and skills used in studying are also applied in revising. It may seem like an easy process at first because the subject matter has already been taken up, but then it is only through revising that a person perceives more underlying ideas never seen before - and this arouses critical thinking.
Revising is also how most people prepare for examinations, from where a considerable percentage of grades come from. Therefore, in order for revising to effectively serve its purpose, do not fall into the trap of committing the following mistakes:nnNot enough planning
Planning is the initial step in revising, as in any undertaking. This is where you identify the topics to be studied based on the course outline or syllabus provided at the start of the term. A workable timetable should likewise be prepared to determine the amount of time to be allotted for each subject matter. There are some who take the course outline for granted and thus also overlook setting up a time frame. What happens then is that time intended for revising runs out, and some important topics are missed. Scheduling weekly revisions is fair enough, but spending short periods of time daily for study is more effective.nnNot paying attention to course objectives
Like the syllabus, course objectives are also explained at the beginning of the school term to guide students on what they expect to achieve from the curriculum. Lacking this awareness leads to a waste of time on revising less important topics. nnNot managing time properly
For students, the ultimate goal is to be able to graduate and get a degree. To realize that, several years are dedicated to serious study. Oftentimes, due to voluminous workload – assignments, quizzes, examinations, projects, theses, case analyses – the essence of time management is either neglected or ignored. Each day is taken as it comes, so to speak. Before you know it, a lot of precious time has already been put to waste because time was not managed properly.nnCramming
Cramming stems from failure to plan what to revise, how to revise, and when to revise. Not only is absorbed information lodged in the short-term memory, it also stresses the mind and the body. Because cramming usually takes place on the night before an examination day, there is that foregone opportunity to make clarifications with or ask questions to the instructor. It is best to distribute revision time several days or weeks before an examination takes place.nnNot having an effective note-taking system
Textbooks provide the basic knowledge required in a particular subject. The instructor, however, augments this with lectures. Not everybody exhibits a positive attitude towards lectures, and this may affect note-taking habits. At worst, one may not take down notes. If and when he does, he might just be scribbling irrelevant information. As a result of this, he will have a difficult time revising because of incomplete material.
nRevising as a study skill strengthens the memory of the learned material. As such, the principles and skills used in studying are also applied in revising. It may seem like an easy process at first because the subject matter has already been taken up, but then it is only through revising that a person perceives more underlying ideas never seen before - and this arouses critical thinking.
Revising is also how most people prepare for examinations, from where a considerable percentage of grades come from. Therefore, in order for revising to effectively serve its purpose, do not fall into the trap of committing the following mistakes:nnNot having a study environment that is conducive
The emergence of high-technology gadgets such as cellular phones, i-pods, mp3 players, and others has put a strain on the studying habits of the young generation. These have become their constant companions and at times even “study buddies”. Studying requires full concentration and revising with these “distractions” lessens the amount of information retained in the memory. Not being equipped with the appropriate study materials and references may also be a cause of distraction.nnNot revising previous examinations
When test papers are returned, they are filed for safekeeping, tucked inside lockers, or even thrown in the trash can (these are usually the “low-grade” ones) – completely forgotten. Students would reason out that they are already graded and recorded and therefore would be of no use anymore. This should not be so. There are details in the graded test papers worthy of your attention and may be beneficial for future examinations. Take notice if the questions came from the textbook or the lecture so that you would know where to focus your revision on. Also be on the watch for tricky questions.nnNot listening well in class
Listening is a mental form of taking notes. Information is directly passed to the mind through the auditory organ. If you do not listen attentively, you will miss out on pertinent matters. This being the case, you will also be left with few resources to work on when you revise. In order to listen well, you should avoid distractions of any kind.
Some students make the mistake of not paying attention, thinking that they can always "catch up" by reading the textbook. However, many professors like "tweaking" the lesson to add their own version or to put in personal insights, which are likely to come up in the exams.nnNot forming a study group
Not all share the same passion for learning. Try as they may, reading, listening to lectures, or taking down notes are just not their cup of tea. A study group in this case is a welcome solution. You get to share whatever little knowledge you may have, and in return receive more than you can handle. This may also pave the way to pay attention to your revising manners so that you may contribute more to the group and make the interactive factor more interesting.nnNot having a fit mind and body
More time spent in partying and socializing robs a person of sleep time, and less sleep time means less study time. Excessive caffeine and junk food intake (as what most students are into), on the other hand, is not good for the health. High-protein meals taken frequently in small portions help energize the body better. Sufficient rest and a proper diet, coupled with regular exercise ensure a smooth and stress-free study time.
Mistakes are not to be ashamed of. Neither are they to be taken for granted. They are considered tools for learning because they bring awareness towards what has been done wrong, and therefore become bases for positive actions in the future.