Exams week is thankfully coming to an end in our house. This week is fraught with stress and anxiety which negatively affects everyone under this roof.
We have worked really hard on getting the basics right for helping our Dyscalculia Child with revision. We have developed some top tips which will help all children facing exams week anywhere in the world.
1 – How to revise
This is not something they will instinctively know how to do, and what works for you may not for your child. We spent time last term looking at several ways of revising and tried them out on smaller tests to see which, if any worked for her.
We tried mind maps, which are visual maps with diagrams and colour coding to help summarize a topic or area. This allows visual learners to visual represent information as well and writing and summarising.
We also tried the cornell method. This method allows you to summarise through questioning and having the answers all at one side of the page so they can be covered and revealed later. This typ[e of revision is good if you like being tested on your topic as you can self test easily with this method.
Finally we tried the classic flash cards. It is a similar style to Cornell but this way can include more visual prompts and we found great for language and key term learning.
You may find, like my daughter, they settle on more than one way. We use flash cards for language revision and key terms in science and maths. She uses mind maps for all other areas of study. I encourage her to do a clean and neat job so they can be re used in future tests. Revision notes take time, so once they have chosen their method/s I would recommend doing there notes after each topic in completed.
2 – Revision Timetable
As teachers it is always something we tell our students to do but what do we really mean by a revision time table?
I will always look at the order the exams are going to be taken in and start with the first exam first. I would keep sessions very short 15-20 mins slot with at least a 10-15 minute break in between. This allows your brain to absorb the most amount of information. Science has shown after 20 minutes your brain begins to stop working optimally.
I also split sessions with my daughter into note taking and questioning and practice questions. So the first block of revision she takes notes, the second block I question and test her on learning and the final block is an exam question practice to apply the new learning.
This gives you an hour of quality revision spread over an evening. They stay motivates because the tasks are varied but learning is increased because you are applying it in different ways and creating different neurological pathways.
3 – Exam Strategies
Finally the big day arrives. We are very clear on strategies to support our children once in the room and notes are not there.
Firstly, read the question and highlight the key words, what is it asking you to do?
Next, for larger than 3 mark questions on the paper quickly bullet point what you need to put in the answer to get the marks. Once this is done begin writing with a clear idea of what you need to say. This stops waffling and gets your point across succinctly and all the marks with out wasted time on unnecessary writing.
For larger essay question I suggest a mind map of the outline of the essay and then some key details you will include. For the same reason as above it enables you to write with a clear path through your essay.
Finally, Checking your work. Every question should be looked at again, check that what you highlighted is what you have answered below. Re-do calculations to ensure you get the same answer again. Every moment you can up until the end should be checking answers, spellings, punctuation and calculations.
I hope these ideas are helpful. Please comment below if you want more information on revision. I am always happy to help!
Adapted Learning 
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