The end of this term inevitably brings thoughts of January assessments as well as lots of chocolate. With that in mind, we asked some colleagues to offer a few study tips on themes including Consolidation and Revision, Preparing for Assessments and Finding a Balance. Enjoy!
It is often difficult to see the bigger picture when you are looking at things for the first time, so a break from lessons can be a good opportunity to look at what you have studied so far this term, and to think about the key themes and principles and how they relate to each other. (James Kolaczkowski)
Plan your revision study at the beginning of the holiday. Little and often makes it seem less daunting and enables you to fit in festive activities without becoming overwhelmed. (Lindsey Connett)
Verbally explaining your argument for an essay or concepts youâre revising to someone (or something!) else can help to consolidate your own understanding. (Annika Jones)
Donât skip revision or consolidation because you think it isnât needed for an online exam or coursework. It is! The best work is always underpinned by sound understanding. (Imogen Moore)
It is easier to think about things when they are relatively fresh in your mind. If you have an exam at the end of the year, for each topic in the module, make a quick list of key cases and significant articles, and draw a diagram of each concept that you think is more difficult to remember. This should be a good basis for when you come to revise later on. For any topic area, think about the essential position first and also where there are contentious or uncertain issues that may need further discussion in an assessment. (James Kolaczkowski)
Try using visual cues as a revision technique – a flow chart of key cases and their subject matter written on a piece of paper and stuck on something (such as a fridge or a wall) you walk past a lot. (Lindsey Connett)
Time away from an assignment can help you to review it objectively (as a marker would). Factor some time for this into your planning wherever possible. (Annika Jones)
Avoid delaying starting an assessment with the excuse that you havenât yet âfinishedâ the reading. Reading is never really finished! Make a start â things rarely seem as intimidating once you have, and you can always return to deeper or further reading on particular areas as you progress. (Imogen Moore)
If you are struggling with a particular piece of coursework or question, walk away from the books and spend 15/30 minutes doing another activity (a walk, cooking, chatting with family) before coming back. This gives your brain time to refresh and reset. (Lindsey Connett)
Try reading your work out loud when youâre proof-reading. (Annika Jones)
For a change, try finding some non-academic sources, such as a novel, film or documentary, that relates to one of the legal fields you are studying â it can help to rekindle your interest and also help you think about how law is portrayed or used outside of academia. (Caroline Fournet)
Clearly distinguish work time from non-work time and make sure you have an appropriate balance between them. Donât work or feel guilty about not working in your non-work time. (Annika Jones)
Remember to take some time off for at least some days over the break, so that you come back to Exeter well rested and ready for the new term. A university degree is not a sprint, but a marathon! (Raphael Girard)
Submission dates for coursework are clustered to give you maximum time and maximum flexibility to arrange your own work schedule, but it is critical that you donât leave all your assessments to the last moment. Balance your time to give yourself a reasonable (not excessive) period for each one and get it finished and submitted. (Imogen Moore)
It is very important to properly rest and recuperate during the winter break. Set aside a few whole days that you dedicate to totally forgetting about your studies – do something that really takes your mind off it (I find watching motor sport or going go karting really helps me to totally switch off!) And also take time away from your mobile devices! You’ll then be rested and better prepared to get back to your essays and revision when the time comes. (Ben Hudson)
If you find it difficult to break from your studies for too long, try setting aside a period when you only work for a couple of hours in the day, perhaps in the morning, so you can feel you are progressing your studies and assessments, but will still feel refreshed overall. (Rachel Gimson)
Remember to take some time off for at least some days over the break, so that you come back to Exeter well rested and ready for the new term. A university degree is not a sprint, but a marathon! (Raphael Girard)
Submission dates for coursework are clustered to give you maximum time and maximum flexibility to arrange your own work schedule, but it is critical that you donât leave all your assessments to the last moment. Balance your time to give yourself a reasonable (not excessive) period for each one and get it finished and submitted. (Imogen Moore)
It is very important to properly rest and recuperate during the winter break. Set aside a few whole days that you dedicate to totally forgetting about your studies – do something that really takes your mind off it (I find watching motor sport or going go karting really helps me to totally switch off!) And also take time away from your mobile devices! You’ll then be rested and better prepared to get back to your essays and revision when the time comes. (Ben Hudson)