reVision

The internet is entirely suited to revision tests – SAM Learning and Bitesize are built on interactive tests. Nothing special, then, about Buster Tests and on a quick look it looks a bit thin with just Chemistry and Physics tests, a Driving Theory Test which might come in handy next year and a bunch or random tests at the bottom of the page. However, if you register on the site (free) you can make up your own tests – this could be really good as a revision technique, make up the questions and think of the answer after you have revised. You can even invite someone else to take your test – great revsion with a competitive edge. The site has some screensavers you can use, too, like the one I’ve posted here.

Listening to your iPod can help you revise. By listening to podcasts on GCSE topics on your trusty mp3 player you can still look cool as you boost your learning. Currently, there aren’t that many sites offering this service but you might like to try some of them out. Biz/ed is a Business Studies site with a good introduction to getting started with listening to their podcasts on a range of topics. I love history and Mr Allsop’s GCSE History Revision Guide both cover familiar, er, history topics, while ICTGCSE has both podcasts and videos to help you out.

This is definitely going to be growing trend in education because it’s a really easy thing to  do. Pupils at Musselburg Grammar School in Scotland produce an award winning podcast which is worth a listen. If you want to have a try at podcasting for yourself then there’s a good guide on Mr Belshaw’s site.

There’s a really good suggestion for making your revision effective on the Greenfield School site. Basically, you take a piece of A4 paper, fold it in half top to bottom. On the left hand side you write questions about the topic you are revising – do this as you go along. When you have finished go back to the questions and answer them on the opposite half of the page without using your original notes. Simple but effective.

You can find another paper folding trick at The Pocket Mod. Follow the instructions and print out a mini personal organiser which you can fill up with a revision timetable, notes and reminders. Worth trying out.

If you use either of these treat yourself to a paper Porsche…

You can’t revise all the time so take time out to relax by trying out some Teagames. Chuck is my personal favourite.

John D Clare has a useful website on ways to make your revision successful. At the heart of what he says is that you should never just read your notes. As well as this he says that you should write things down, find hooks to help you remember things, test yourself, make lists of specialist terms and find out what kind of learner you are. The site also has a lot of really useful material if you are taking History at GCSE.

A much shorter and less detailed site is GCSE.com which uses a simple WHAT, WHERE & WHEN method of finding the best ways to revise. The rest of the site has subject specific revision material for English, Maths, French, ICT and Physics – could be useful.
Finally, for a completely random approach why not see what ebay has to offer to the world of revision. When I looked I did wonder just how much Schooldisco.com – The revision guide would help…