Revision planning
Video
Watch the video (SWF, 1.6MB)
Note: you will need your OU computer username and password to access the video clip
Work out a revision timetable, outlining the areas of the course you will cover and when you will do it. Make more detailed session plans as you get through the material.
Make a note of
- the submission date of your final assignment or project
- the date of your exam
- work, family and personal demands on your time
- the number of weeks, days or hours you have available
- the number of blocks, units, books or other materials you need to revise over that period.
A revision timetable
What you include in your revision plan will depend on the time you have available and your own style and study habits.
A simple grid like the one below might be helpful. Decide how many hours you have for revision and allocate them accordingly. Include time to eat, sleep, relax and keep other things going in your life.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| work | work | work | work am | work am | housework | revise 2 hrs |
| work | work | work | revise 1 hr | shopping | revise 3 hrs | family |
| revise 1 hr | sport | revise 1 hr | choir | evening out | – | family |
Be realistic about how much time you have and produce a timetable (RTF, 75KB) that spreads the workload and identifies what and when you should be revising in each session. If you are unsure about the areas you need to revise, ask your tutor for advice.
Avoid being over-ambitious, as not being able to keep up with the plan can be disheartening. Be aware of your own needs and ensure you allow time for rest and relaxation. Take breaks, and don’t expect to study solidly for too long at a time as you won’t really be taking in what you’re working on. Keep your breaks short, but build in a system of rewards to keep up your motivation.
Allow a day or so immediately before the exam to review material, rather than continuing to try to cover new ground.
I put my plan on the fridge - that way everyone knows what I'll be doing.
One way to approach revision is to break it up into stages.
Revision checklist
Download this checklist (RTF, 87KB) - if you identify other things you need to do, add them to your list. Print a copy and refer to it during your revision to help keep yourself on track.
During the last few days before the exam it will be useful to check anything that you haven’t ticked or are unsure of.
