Brief Summary
In this inaugural episode of the "Être Étudiant" podcast, the hosts tackle the common struggle of overcoming revision reluctance among students. They address frequently asked questions, offering practical advice on time management, effective revision techniques, and stress management. Key takeaways include the importance of active participation in class, customising revision methods, utilising AI tools wisely, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to mitigate stress.
- Active participation in class reduces revision workload.
- There's no one-size-fits-all revision method; experiment to find what works for you.
- AI tools can be helpful but shouldn't replace active learning.
- Managing stress through planning, task segmentation, and a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
Intro: Welcome to the Podcast
The hosts introduce the "Être Étudiant" podcast, which will cover various aspects of student life, including revision tips. The first topic addresses how to overcome reluctance to revise. They've selected questions from their audience and aim to provide helpful advice, encouraging further questions for future episodes via comments or Instagram direct messages.
Time Management: How Much to Revise Daily
The discussion begins with how much time students should dedicate to revision each day. While it varies, aiming for 30 minutes to an hour daily is a good starting point. It's acknowledged that getting started can be difficult, especially when feeling lazy. The advice is to start revising immediately after classes, before relaxing, even if it's just for 20 minutes to review notes. For those with weekday commitments, dedicating more time on weekends, particularly Friday evenings while still in "school mode", is recommended.
Active Learning: The Key to Less Revision
Being active and focused in class significantly reduces the amount of revision needed later. Engaging actively during lectures means that when reviewing notes, the material is more easily understood, streamlining the revision process. Active participation in class is presented as fundamental to minimising revision workload.
Revision Methods: Finding What Works for You
There's no single perfect revision method suitable for every situation. Different methods suit different tasks; for example, flashcards are effective for QCM preparation. Experimenting with various techniques is encouraged to find what resonates personally. The "blurting method" (scribbling everything you know about a topic on a blank page) is mentioned as one example, though it may not suit everyone. Active learning techniques, like testing your knowledge, are generally beneficial. It's important to adapt methods to specific situations. Techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) can be useful for time management, but should be adjusted to fit individual needs, such as extending work periods to an hour with a 5-minute break. During breaks, avoiding screens is advised to allow the brain to rest.
Overcoming Procrastination: The 3-2-1 Method
Many students struggle to start revising. The "3-2-1 method" is introduced as a way to combat this. It involves:
- 3 minutes of an engaging activity (listening to music, playing a game, or doing exercise).
- 2 minutes of breathing exercises (such as the triangle technique: inhale, hold, exhale).
- 1 minute of focused mental preparation for revision.
The final minute is crucial for mentally transitioning into study mode. The importance of the study environment is also highlighted, with libraries recommended over home environments due to fewer distractions and a study-focused atmosphere.
Planning: To Plan or Not to Plan?
The hosts discuss the usefulness of revision timetables. One host finds them essential for reducing stress and visualising progress, while the other prefers a more flexible approach. Digital tools like Notion are recommended for easy modification, though paper timetables can also work. For those who find timetables too rigid, using digital sticky notes to display deadlines can be a helpful alternative. The key is to find a system that helps manage stress and stay organised without causing additional pressure.
Studying Alone vs. With Friends
Studying alone is generally recommended to minimise distractions. Studying with friends can be effective if rules are set to maintain focus or if using teaching methods where you explain concepts to each other. However, it's easy to get sidetracked. The study environment also matters; libraries offer a more conducive setting for group study, especially if booking a study room.
AI Tools for Revision
The hosts discuss the best AI tools for revision, including:
- ChatGPT: Comprehensive AI tool.
- Chat Mistral: A French alternative to ChatGPT.
- Google Gemini: Another AI option.
- Quizlet: For creating flashcards and quizzes.
- NotebookLM: For sourcing information and asking questions.
- Perplexity AI: Especially useful for research papers due to its accurate sourcing and free research function.
While AI can be a valuable tool for generating flashcards, answering questions, and aiding research, it should be used intelligently and not as a replacement for active learning. Over-reliance on AI for projects can lead to plagiarism issues.
Last-Minute Revision Techniques
For last-minute revision (a few days before the exam), the "teaching method" (also known as the Feynman Technique) is recommended. This involves reviewing the material and then teaching it to someone else as if they know nothing about the subject. If no one is available, ChatGPT can be used to simulate this process by asking it questions and explaining concepts. In extreme cases, the "emergency sheet" method involves writing down key concepts the night before the exam and memorising them just before entering the exam hall. This is not a substitute for proper revision but can help recall key information.
Managing Exam Stress
For those who experience excessive stress that hinders revision, it's important to manage stress levels. Starting early, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and reframing revision as a continuous process rather than a daunting task can help. It's also important to recognise that some stress can be positive, indicating a desire to succeed. Basic self-care, such as eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising, is crucial for managing stress. Accepting the need for self-discipline and prioritising these habits, even when unappealing, can significantly reduce stress levels.
Conclusion
The hosts thank the listeners and encourage them to like, share, and comment with questions for future episodes. They acknowledge it's the first episode and ask for understanding.
