Summarise and question

Perhaps the most obvious technique is to summarise. You can do this more actively if you ask yourself questions as you read, such as:

1. So what? Why is this important?
2. What examples can I think of?
3. How does this relate to other parts of the course? What connections can I make?

Summarising or paraphrasing lecture notes helps you to rethink your lectures - to focus on the material, and to think about how it relates to other aspects of the course or unit. It is a way of seeking understanding - of taking a deep approach to your learning.

Consolidate

As you review information from various sources (lectures, tutorials, textbooks and other readings, laboratory and practical classes) you may be able to consolidate what you have learned, and to summarise it in point form, or in a diagram. This can help identify gaps or weak spots in your understanding, as well as giving you a better overall view of the unit. If you do this with time to spare, you will have a chance to follow up the things you don't understand well.

Review past papers

One of the best examination preparation strategies is to practice writing exam answers under exam conditions. Past exam papers can help you decide whether memorisation of some facts is important for a particular topic or whether you will be asked to demonstrate your understanding in different ways. Practice reading each question carefully and deciding what is required in the answer. The first essential is to be sure what the question is about (and to understand what you have to do).  What are the topic keywords? What are the directive keywords (ie that tell you what to do)? What is the main question?

Use brainstorming and mind-mapping techniques to accustom yourself to quickly developing a plan for your answer. Then write your answer in 30 minutes (or whatever time period will be available to you in the exam).

Use any memory prompts which work for you

Different people have different learning styles. Visual learning - being able to visualise images and 'replay' them in your head - is more effective for some people than trying to remember words (verbal learning). Some people can recall numbers or facts easily, and tend to be good at rote learning. Others can remember stories well, and use this ability in their learning by making 'stories' of what they are trying to learn.

Don't despair if memory prompts aren't helping, the basic rules of remembering include being interested and being active. Passively reading for hours may not help you to absorb the material, but speaking aloud, and summarising are active techniques which can be effective. Re-writing, if it is a purely mechanical exercise, probably won't help get the material into your long-term memory. But if you are constantly asking yourself questions, trying to make connections, and to understand the material, you are more likely to be able to recall the important concepts on demand.

Don't begin new topics at the last moment

In the last few days, concentrate on revising what you do know, and practice exam answers. It's too late to learn and understand much new material. Last-minute cramming of new material will only serve to increase stress levels.

Get plenty of rest and arrive refreshed

Stay healthy. Eat and sleep well. Don't study late the night before an exam. You may be better off getting some exercise, reading something light and having an early night. Double-check the time and place of the exam and plan to arrive in plenty of time. There's nothing more unsettling than having to rush at the last minute.

Five keys to successful exam preparation

1. Take control

• Think about your learning behaviour
• Remember your plan

2. Aim to understand

• Examinations are intended to test your understanding, not just your remembering of facts.
• The best answers demonstrate a deeper understanding of the concepts and issues raised by an examination question.

3. Manage stress

• Turn up at the exam ready to perform at your best - not a nervous wreck.
• Intensive 'cramming' over the last few days leads to lack of sleep and general exhaustion.
• Managing your time and starting early enough are the best strategies for  avoiding a last-minute frenzy.
• Revision needs to be regular and continuous
• Studying for exams is just the final step in an on-going process

4. Manage your time

• Plan to use your time effectively.
• Think about the gaps in your understanding and what needs to be done to fill them.
• Revise your overall study timetable and your weekly plan.
• Maintain your morale by rewarding yourself as you carry out your revision plan.

5. Use effective learning techniques

• Learning and remembering is easier when you are actively involved
• Simply reading your notes or your textbooks is a passive activity. Devise an activity which helps you to think about what you are reading.