I was on LinkedIn and came across a post that compared tendering to correctly stacking a dishwasher. This made me think the same analogy could be applied to exams. As exam weeks are looming, here is my attempt to apply this analogy!
1. Organising your revision material is like sorting the dirty dishes
When you start revising for an exam, you’re often faced with a mountain of material to cover. Just like when you open the dishwasher after a big family dinner, it’s crucial to organise the items properly. In the case of revision, this means breaking down your study materials into manageable portions. Categorise topics and notes into the learning outcomes to create a structured plan of attack, much like sorting your dirty dishes into neat piles for efficient washing.
2. Prioritisation is key
Much like deciding which dishes to wash first to ensure you have what you need for dinner, prioritisation is essential in revision. Identify the topics that you struggle with the most. Start with the most challenging areas to ensure you tackle them when your mind is at its freshest.
3. Time management & scheduling
When you stack a dishwasher, you need to fit everything into limited space and time. Similarly, when revising, you have a finite amount of time before the exam. Efficient time management is the key to success. Create a study schedule that allows you to allocate time to each subject and topic. Setting realistic deadlines will ensure you don’t overload yourself or leave anything out.
4. Cleaning as you go
Stacking a dishwasher becomes much easier if you rinse the dishes before loading them. In revision, “cleaning as you go” means regularly reviewing and reinforcing what you’ve learned. Don’t leave everything to the last minute; instead, periodically revisit previous topics to ensure they remain fresh in your memory.
5. Avoiding overloading
Just as overloading a dishwasher can lead to inefficient cleaning, overloading your brain with too much information can hinder your revision efforts. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks and take regular breaks to recharge. Cramming everything into one day or night of study is rarely effective.
Revising for an exam and stacking a dishwasher may seem worlds apart, but both tasks require careful planning, organisation, and execution. So, remember, whether you’re cleaning your dishes or preparing for an exam, the right approach can make all the difference in the end. Don’t forget we have a free master your memory short course to help you when revising, find it here
Happy revising!