Anyone got any good study techniques?

The best techniqes I find are mind-mapping, consolidation, look and cover, repetition and note cards:

For mind-mapping you write the topic in the centre of a page and then draw a line out and write somthing asscoiated with the initial topic on it, then branch off of this line with a few more lines with anything associated with that written on it. Basically you get a network of lines that shows all related ideas. Use different colours for asscociated branches to tap into your visual memory.

For consolidation you write out or take all of your notes for the subject and then rewrite them out in a more conscise form, so you only have the main points there. Then try and cut this down a third time and so on, until you are left with points that are easy to read and understand. Stick these on revision cards and flick through them regularly.

Look and cover is where you look at your notes for a few minutes until you think you know them and then cover them up. Once covered take a fresh piece of paper and write down all that you can remember. Once you are done then uncover the original notes and see if there is anything you missed- this is what you still need to revise in more depth. This is a great way to check your learning is on track.

Repition is good for audio learners- basically either record yourself (if you can) saying your notes and play it back multiple times (you can also use a voice programme such as TextAloud to convert word files to audio on the computer too) or just keep saying the main points to yourself over and over again. The more you say and hear them, the better they will sink in.

Note cards can be good for kinaesthetic learners as you can move around using them. Stick note cards with relevant points you want to remember up around your house. You will see these as you walk around. Stick one on the fridge, say, and every time you go in there you will be reminded to remember the point.

There are many more techniques, but I have found these to be the most effective. Remember that wehen studying it helps to take regular breaks. Every 3 quarters of an hour or so just go and make a cup of tea/ go to the toilet/ look out of the window. Maybe organise your revision so after each break you change subject, this should make sure you give yourself pretty equal study time for each subject and also allow the information time to sink in.

Good luck with your exams.