Learning in the classroom is one thing, and retaining what is learned is another. Even though students understand what is being taught in the classroom, they either don't remember it after a few days or rely on revising it at a later stage. Revision, therefore, certainly plays a significant role for students as they prepare for exams, but it must be understood that revision also should be effective and not just something to be left as last-minute preparation.

An effective revision during exams, done in the right manner, not only improves the understanding but also increases the learning capacity, and reduces stress during exams. At Thakur School of Global Education (TSGE), one of the best schools in Kandivali, Mumbai, students' are put to regular tests and assessments that keep them prepared for exam time. They are also given enough self-study time through preparatory leaves to ensure they are ready for success. 

With exam season fast approaching, it’s important to manage, plan and utilise your time effectively with studying, practising and revising. Let's explore some of the best practices that can make the revision process more effective for students during exams: 

Start early - Revision is not something to be left as last-minute preparation. It is an essential and fool-proof way to move towards success. The earlier you start revising, the more time you get to identify and fill gaps in the knowledge and understanding in a particular subject.  There is no better way than to evaluate and assess yourself through revision. 

Make a routine for revision - Set a proper time for revision every day before exams. Mornings are best to revise when your mind is fresh and ready to retain and remember better. Lessons, subjects, topics that need practice can be during the day or at some other time as per your comfort.

Have a plan - Decide how you are going to approach your revision. Go through the syllabus, make a detailed revision timetable, including any past exam or other model question papers or notes you need to look over. Mark strong and weak areas, then prioritise and plan to revise them based on the difficulty level and time required to complete them. At TSGE, one of the best Cambridge IGCSE schools in Kandivali, Mumbai, students' are given special doubt-clearing sessions for each subject where they get a chance to revise and resolve their doubts.

Find a revision method that works for you - There are a lot of revision techniques and methods like learning through past papers, mind maps, learning posters, visual material like sticking notes on walls, building acronyms or keywords, group study, mock tests, sticking notes in your study room etc. If you are unable to choose one method, go ahead with trial and error with each and find what works for you. 

Make your revision creative - Being creative with your revision can keep you motivated and interested to study for longer hours. Use highlighters or colour pens and create your own colour zones for weak or strong areas or for very important or notable points. At TSGE, one of the top international schools in Mumbai, students' in higher grades are encouraged to use highlighters or colour pens while studying or reading, as it allows them to make connections visually and mentally and promotes better retention of information.

Take a break from revision - Too much of anything is never good!. Do take a break from regular revision. A good replacement for your revision time like cycling, yoga or a walk can boost your energy levels, focus and brainpower.

Eat breakfast -  Like revision is an essential part of preparing for exams, breakfast is also called the most important meal of the day. Breakfast not only fuels the body for the entire day but also fuels the mind. It is easy to gorge on junk food, tea, coffee or cold drinks that affect your concentration and energy levels; having a healthy breakfast will make you feel more energetic and focused on your revision timetable.

Sleep Well - As you prepare for exams with a strict revision timetable, it is important to give your mind and body a good amount of rest. Make it an essential part of your revision timetable and stick to it. The better the quality of your sleep, the more time you can fit in for revising other subjects and gain confidence for your exams. 

Stay calm and positive - The whole process of revision is to become confident for your exams. Remember, an anxious and stressful mind will always find it difficult to retain information. Being calm and positive will help you remember what you've studied and help you score well.

Thus, revision should not be done with the objective of reassuring yourself about what you know, it rather needs to be a deliberate effort to identify what you don’t. The unique education, learning and teaching environment at Thakur School of Global Education (TSGE), Kandivali, Mumbai, motivates students to study at their own pace before exams and engage in effective revision that will help them in reducing their exam stress and anxiety. 

Therefore, students must understand that revision is a way to practise retrieving information as well as reorganising what you’re trying to learn. What does an effective revision look like? Well, in short, an effective revision plan may include answers to questions like “how much should I space my study?” or “when should I start with tests?”  In the end, we leave you with the final recipe for success in exams - hard work, revision, and tests for improvement!