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Secondary education

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Effective revision techniques for dyslexic DS

7 replies

Iamaworrywart · 18/05/2015 22:29

My son is in Year 10 and gas end of year exams coming up next month. Does anyone have any suggestions about effective revision techniques. He struggles to read large amounts in one go and doesn't find revision cards helpful.

Thanks

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TheFirstOfHerName · 18/05/2015 23:15

Would mind-maps help? There would be a few key words on each branch, but mostly use of colour, icons etc.

hackteen · 19/05/2015 16:00

As a dyslexic student, actually getting in the content for revision was quite difficult. My ability to read well and for a long time is weak. Every time I revise for every year's exams I prefer a different technique, it seems! However, I did make it through to the end of a degree, getting a 2:1 (B equivalent) in Physics. Doing well on exams is possible.

As a rule, I generally try and keep revision to be in bite size chunks but over a long period of time, with the option to do something more interesting when I find myself really unable to focus. It can be frustrating for others when I deviate but it sounds like you really empathise, which is fantastic.

There's a method to make sure that enough time is spent actually revising and procrastinating called the Pomodoro Technique. It could be worth trying, at least! It involves intervals of work and breaks which has been effective for many of my peers. A better explanation: www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/the-pomodoro-technique-is-it-right-for-you.html

Blocking distracting websites for set periods of time helps significantly. The first 20 minutes of work can be fiddly without social media but then the craving disappears. Tool available: getcoldturkey.com/

Different colour paper and pens makes a nice difference. Being able to pick a different colour for different topics within a subject or even a different colour paper for each module can be enough fun to keep focused.

If possible, arrange some group studying. Peer groups offer a nice contrast to sitting with a book and reading it.

Water - keep hydrated!

With regards to the content:

  • Flashcards are not that useful to read but the act of writing does help to absorb the learning. Sticking flashcards up somewhere helps - in an exam, the thought of "oh, that definition was next to the fruit bowl. I can picture it! I can remember the definition as a result!" Worked for me. The more obscure, the better.
  • Doing is learning. Just the act of writing 20 equations 5 times each got me through tons of exams. Not a great method for understanding but when this close to exams, cramming can make a big difference.
  • Stick up bitesize pieces of information in different places. e.g. inside a kitchen cabinet, on the back door of the toilet door, etc. You could even give a different post-it for every meal eaten or car journey. Not all learning has to be done at the desk.
  • Take advantage of youtube. Videos up to 2 minutes long recommended.
  • Exam technique is huge. Make sure every past paper and answer sheet has been downloaded and practised at least once. Highlight when questions repeat themselves over the years. Patterns will appear and different exams give slightly different definitions, adding depth to understanding.
  • Rewards. The promise of something after each exam is a great driver. Even giving out one sweet per question answered can be enough of a motivation to keep going.

Hopefully one of these is of some help. Good luck!

HSMMaCM · 19/05/2015 16:22

Great advice from the others. Can he also record things, so he can listen back to them? Again recording will help as revision and listening to it back will stimulate different parts of his brain.

Lonecatwithkitten · 19/05/2015 16:42

Planning first off
Bite sized chunks never spend more than 45mins on one topic
Drink plenty
Get up and walk around regularly

You may not be in time for this year, but I found I need to start 3 months in advance of exams. Plan out entire revision. Stick rigidly to 45mins and make sure I partly covered all topics to give broad base.
I never worked beyond 8pm at night, always had at least 1 hour wind down before going to bed.
I took at least 1 hours exercise each day

nagsandovalballs · 19/05/2015 16:47

Set tasks not times. Ie when I've learned these 5 processes/quotes/calcs, I'm done for the morning. Much more productive and inspiring than setting a three hours before lunch target!

PowerPoint with pictures then animate the important facts/ideas to pop up for an easy prediction task that's very visual.

Essexmum69 · 19/05/2015 19:10

This technique is dependant on another person but, for each unit DD studies at GCSE her school gives her a sheet of the syllabus learning objectives (if he doesn't have them you can print off from the exam board website). The willing helper, usually me!, reads them out one at a time and DD verbalises the answers, consulting notes/ revision guides as necessary. DD dyspraxic rather than dyslexic so dont know if it would work for him, but is brilliant for her, although time consuming for me. (Mind you, I have discovered I can read/listen and iron at the same time!)
She also likes very colourful mind maps.

Iamaworrywart · 19/05/2015 20:05

Thanks so much for all your imaginative suggestions. Hackteen you have really opened my mind to the possibilities. I also love nags... PowerPoint suggestion. Hopefully DS will find some of these ideas help. Will definitely start revision sooner for GCSES. Fingers crossed.

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