In the blog last week, we completed our initial introduction to the 8-step approach to project planning. This week we will explore the application of this model to the key stages in the process of exam revision.
The 8-step project planning process as applied to exam revision
Step 1: Planning
First, critically analyse the full exam schedule to prioritise effective revision planning in a logical sequence of actions. Base this planning around a personal estimation of the degree of difficulty each subject presents and the type of format required from short answers to specific questions to longer essay style responses. Then, throughout the planning process, it is typically more effective and motivational to progress from the simpler to the increasingly more demanding exam revision challenges.
Step 2: Preparing
Next, break down the key issues covered across each course into logical chunks and develop an achievable revision time allocation schedule.
Step 3: Processing
Now, critically evaluate what is required to successfully review the key chunks for each exam, then cross reference this with your notes to identify the information you have already collected and what you still need to research.
Step 4: Producing
After this, complete the revision notes for each exam, double-check the material against the course outline content, and then do the same with the content of past exam papers.
Step 5: Progressing
Here, for example, if you are unclear about any information, make sure that you ask your teacher for help early and keep asking until you are clear. You should also be able to locate online lectures on the subject. However, note that it can be risky to ask your peers for help as they might also have misunderstood or misinterpreted the issue.
Step 6: Polishing
The importance and focus of the polishing stage will vary according to the exam format. For written exams, make sure that your notes make sense and that you have the correct vocabulary.
Then, should the exam take some oral format, practice the language focusing on issues like pronunciation, sentence connectives, and vocabulary accuracy. Record your responses to anticipated questions or, say, the delivery of a presentation, to critically review the performance. Note here that it is essential to practice and polish group presentations with your team members well in advance of the exam, not at the last minute such as the night before.
Step 7: Proofreading
The following step is to ensure that you carefully check and proofread the information in your revision notes for accuracy, especially concepts, author names, and dates of the publication of key readings.
Step 8: Performing
Finally, it is essential to systematically prepare for each exam including eating, resting, and sleeping properly the day before. Avoid any late-night revision and get up earlier on the day of each exam to give yourself time to fully wake up. After this, find somewhere quiet to wait before the start of the exam and avoid joining large groups noisily waiting outside the exam room.
Next, after the exam, find a quiet place to calm down and congratulate yourself on completing the test which is another significant achievement. However, it is important at this point not to torment yourself by attempting to speculate on possible outcomes such as grades. Moreover, avoid discussing the exam questions with your fellow examinees, as they also have no idea of what might happen during assessment. Now, rest, relax, and then get organised for the next exam.
Question 1
What might be the advantages of revising for examinations in peer study teams and how might this present challenges?
Question 2
With reference back to previous blog posts, which time allocation threat from the examples explored of cultural time orientation, student syndrome, procrastination, or optimism bias, is most likely to disrupt your exam revision planning?
Question 3
Why is getting started on the process of project planning often considered the most challenging step in the process?
We will explore brainstorming techniques that help to get started on projects in the blog next week.
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