Query:
I am a student of 12th commerce. I am appearing for my board exams. I studies for the whole year, and went for tuitions and schools. Currently, I am confused about my revision that how to revise and what to revise. Whenever, I take books and sit for the study, my mind start wandering about other subjects. I get distracted. My mind is worried and keeps on thinking how I should do my revision. I am unable to concentrate well. I feel that I am forgetting slowly. What to do?
Response:
This is a common difficulty that most students face. The exams are approaching and students are preparing for board exams. Now, the time is to revise effectively before exams. Revision is the heart of your memory. Memory is the most important aspect of any learning. Whatever you have learned and understood if it is not stored in the memory well then it leads to forgetting. Memory could be enhanced if your revision method is strong and effective. Understanding how your mind works can free you from unnecessary mugging and fears associated to meaningless learning.
Memory is an ability of a person to store, retain, and recall information and experiences. Memory is divided into three types: these are sensory memory, short term memory, and long term memory. Sensory memory is when you see and observe the things and can report immediately. For example, you see four digit numbers and remember it. It hardly lasts for 1-3 seconds. Short term memory lasts for some seconds to one minute without rehearsal. For example your friends name, telephone number etc. third is long term memory which lasts for 1 minute to life long. Long-term memory can store much larger quantities of information for potentially unlimited duration. For example, your childhood memories etc.
Memory and concentration is linked. If you want to enhance your memory then your need is to work on your concentration ability. Concentration is an ability to focus on any material for a given point of time. If you are distracted then you cannot focus on things and forget things easily.
Concentration affects when your environment is not comfortable, if there is lot of sounds and interruptions around you. You will also not able to focus when you are disinterested and do have no desirable goals in mind.
Students find it difficulty to remember all the material for long period and when they sit for revision they feel that they forgot everything which they learned. As the time passes, most of the materials is lost. It is necessary for student to retain the most of the material to prevent forgetting. Many students rely on rote memory. They are under the impression that if they revised for 2-3 times then they will never forget.
There are some effective methods to study and revise the material for exams:
Most individuals are able to concentrate for 30-40 minutes before their attention wavers.
First of all- work out a realistic revision timetable and stick to it, setting yourself targets that you will be able to achieve. Focus on specific materials and decide goals.
There is no point trying to revise when you are not focused, so build regular breaks and variety into revision sessions. Frequent short periods of revision will be more effective than hours of cramming.
Research indicates that if any material revised for 6 times within the given point of time will enhance your long term memory. First understand the material in detail and get the overview of the content, then divide into parts. After understanding the content revise the material immediately after ten minutes, then review it after one day, then after two days, then after seven days, then after one month and lastly after 6 months. This duration and six times of review are effective to store it in your long term memory.
Revision could be done in a different ways. If the material is revised in a very short time like in few minutes. You can able to remember the things well at that point of time. But your memory will not able to store that material properly because you have not provided enough time to store that material like. Too short period of revision and too long period of revision, both will lead to forgetting. Research proves that revision after two hours leads to 80% retention.
Flash cards are extremely useful tool for revising. Making flashcards also enhances your memory. Make summary, condensed notes, formulas, key words on different colored cards for different topics. Cards serve as quick reminders for key points. Ask your friend to test you on the cards. Make these cards as soon as you begin revision so that you have enough time to read them.
Writing model papers will help to revise effectively. You can create a paper from the lesson or create some questions and answer it.
Group revision is most effective for math’s and science subjects.
– Dr. Nimrat Singh