1.  LEARNING

In order to get the most out of lessons:

a) Make notes in class and read them after lessons, either in the library, on the way home on the bus or at home.

b) Do additional reading in your own time.  It could be from a textbook, a casebook, a law report or a web site.  Add any useful information to your class notes or on a new sheet of paper.

c) Complete all homework on time.  Catch-up on any missed work.

2.  REVISING

Sort out and index all your notes.  Draw up a timetable and do not waste time putting it into action.  Ensure that you prioritise your subjects.

Revise in a quiet, comfortable place for about 30 minutes at a time, eg, three 30 min periods with a 10 min break in between each period.

There are different ways of memorising information.  For example, writing, reading, and listening.  These are explained below.

a) Make revision notes.  You may:

Condense notes to main points.  Use key phrases to summarise large amounts of writing;

Draw a spider diagram or a flowchart which gives you an overview of an entire topic;

Make revision cards and carry them with you, reading them at every opportunity.

b) Further absorb information by reading.  Underline or highlight key points.  Look at each key word or phrase in your revision notes and see if you can remember all the information it represents.  Visual learners can read and picture spider diagrams or flowcharts in their minds.

c) Some people learn best by hearing.  They record notes onto audio cassettes and play them back to themselves.

Work out which method suits you best.

3. PRACTISE

Practise answering past exam questions.

a) Obtain sample answers to past/sample exam papers in order to understand the structure of model answers.

b) In order to build-up your confidence, answer questions using your notes.  You could simply write answer plans.  This will also show you if your notes contain all the necessary points.

c) When ready, time yourself and answer questions in exam conditions.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR LEGAL STUDIES!