Revising revision: Reframing the idea of exam preparation from short fix to long term

Season 2, Episode 15,   Dec 04, 2020, 12:01 AM

It’s not unusual for students to wait until exams are almost upon them before revising. "Don’t stress, there’s loads of time” is certainly something I heard a lot – and probably said a fair amount too. For generations, teens have seen revision as that thing you do in the run-up to a test. It seems somehow baked into the word: Revising isn’t just the act of studying what you’ve learnt, but some ill-defined period of time.  But is this the best approach for teens? Does it give them the best chance of showing off what they’re capable of? 

This episode looks at revision and specifically challenge the idea that is a discreet part of learning that happens before a test or exam.

This week, Nathan McGurl, Founder of The Study Buddy, is talking to Dawn Cox. Dawn is Head of Religious Studies is an Essex secondary school. Dawn is also a blogger covering not just RE topics, but teaching and learning in general. She has a particular interest in effective exam preparation.

Dawn looks at the problems caused by viewing revision as that thing you do to get ready for an exam. She talks frankly about why the idea of revision should be ditched and spaced retrieval practise should be the norm. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the problem of language around exam preparation and what parents can do to support their teens.

For more information about The Study Buddy's approach to time management and study skills visit thestudybuddy.com