Education experts reveal why screaming facts on a trampoline could help boost exam results
Trampolining and shouting out facts may seem like unconventional revision tactics, but experts reveal they could help students achieve exam success.
With exam season approaching, 5 million students nationwide are buckling down to revise. However, many can struggle with finding the most effective revision techniques, with over 40% of students experiencing exam anxiety. To help students and parents feeling the pressure, leading educators at Explore Learning share their top tips to help students revise effectively.
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Try unconventional approaches, like trampolining!
Unconventional approaches can be surprisingly effective, like moving around while revising. "Moving while revising can engage the brain and the body," notes Katherine Pavling, Head of GCSE at Explore Learning.
"Many people have an easier time remembering details if they are moving, so walking around while reciting or repeating details can be helpful. I've even heard of people jumping on a trampoline and shouting out linked facts (like dates, historical events, or atomic numbers and elements) on each bounce!"
2. Try 'being the teacher'
Teaching concepts to others is another powerful strategy. Benjy Smokler, Explore Learning Tuition Centre Manager, says, "I found it really useful when revising to try and teach my family the content. By being the 'teacher' myself, it helped me to consolidate my learning and identify gaps in my knowledge."
3. Avoid passive revision
"There is a huge difference between active and passive revision," says Explore Learning Tuition Centre Manager Libby Stanton. "You might feel like you're dedicating lots of time to reading your notes but not retaining much information. It's important to use this time actively by creating flashcards, trying to repeat points without looking, and discussing topics with friends."
4. Always avoid cramming
The education expert’s most significant warning to students is to avoid last-minute revision. "Create a revision schedule well in advance so you know all information will be covered in time," Libby advises. "Spreading out your learning will help you avoid cramming everything into the last week or night before your exam, reducing unnecessary stress."
5. Learn your study style
According to education experts, one of the most common mistakes students make is trying to persevere with a revision tactic that doesn't work for them. "Revision is about understanding how you learn best and finding tactics that make learning enjoyable," says Libby.
"If you're a visual learner, make mind maps and colour-code information for each topic or subject. If you're an auditory learner, record your notes and listen back like a podcast of information. You could also share this with someone else, as having a conversation about it will allow you to think more actively and hear the information in different ways. The last way of learning is kinesthetic. This means you learn best by 'doing'. It might help to use real-life objects and situations to help your memory."
6. Put aside time for relaxing
When it comes to revising, balance is key. Sion Williams, Explore Learning Tuition Centre Manager, explains, "I used to only revise on days that I had work or clubs, as I liked the balance of fitting everything in on my 'busy' days so that I could fully relax on free days."
Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at Explore Learning, agrees: "Putting too much pressure on yourself, cancelling everything you normally do and not taking any breaks will not result in better exam results. Yes, you need to carve out time to focus on exam preparation, but having some downtime away from studying is also essential. You need to have breaks to help you stay more focused and effective when revising."
By identifying learning styles, spacing out studying, taking breaks and practising active revision, students can set themselves up for exam success. Parents and guardians looking to support their children during exam season can learn more about Explore Learning, including their GCSE tuition, at https://www.explorelearning.co.uk
