Exam / revision techniques

Hi Clare,

Don't worry about the rest of your group feeling you're a nuisance - you're forgetting that statistically at least a third of them have failed at least one exam and will probably be glad of all the help they can get too for the retakes! You aren't on your own.

I didn't sit the same set of exams as you - when I did my Core Management it was the old syllabus (says Grandma!), so I can't offer specific help - but hopefully the tips will help give you some confidence. I would have offered you my old revision tapes - but they won't really help! I did have quite a few colleagues on my course who were sick of the sound of my voice by the time the exams came, but most seemed to find it a useful addition for revision.

You need to be able to pick yourself up and dust yourself down and get on with it for the retakes. If you panic now because you didn't get them this time, the fear factor will affect your learning and ability to tackle the November exams. You'll get there. If you are particularly worried, you should consider retaking in two goes - depending on your plans for next year's study. You may find it easier to concentrate on two subjects than four for example - but not if you have to revise for 6 exams in May next year. Hopefully though you'll feel far more confident about all four by November regardless. It might not be a bad idea to start a plan for your revision before the term starts in September - if you can drip feed some knowledge in that time you'll find the last push of revision during October that bit easier.

You also got me a bit worried about next year with your comments about your tutor - I'm planning 2-4 weeks Maternity Leave at the beginning of the year, and am desperate not to disrupt my students learning too much. From a student's perspective - if you were set individual study for a couple of weeks at the beginning of a year would you do it? Please be honest! I still have time to generate some Self taught worksheets before the beginning of term.

Steve - thanks for picking up the downloads issue. If I see audio materials in the next catalogue I get, I'll expect a commission cheque! I have to admit that I have always found it slightly incongruous that for all the discussions and statements of ethics on equal opportunities that the CIPD doesn't seem to offer large print or audio materials for the visually impaired. A friend of mine failed his exams and gave up his studies partly as a result of struggling with materials. Ironic given the stance proclaimed - but I guess that's a different thread.

Clare - I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how you get on, and if I ever work out how to change my profile email me to let me know how you do, or if you need any other help.

Kind regards

Claire

Hi Clare,

Don't worry about the rest of your group feeling you're a nuisance - you're forgetting that statistically at least a third of them have failed at least one exam and will probably be glad of all the help they can get too for the retakes! You aren't on your own.

I didn't sit the same set of exams as you - when I did my Core Management it was the old syllabus (says Grandma!), so I can't offer specific help - but hopefully the tips will help give you some confidence. I would have offered you my old revision tapes - but they won't really help! I did have quite a few colleagues on my course who were sick of the sound of my voice by the time the exams came, but most seemed to find it a useful addition for revision.

You need to be able to pick yourself up and dust yourself down and get on with it for the retakes. If you panic now because you didn't get them this time, the fear factor will affect your learning and ability to tackle the November exams. You'll get there. If you are particularly worried, you should consider retaking in two goes - depending on your plans for next year's study. You may find it easier to concentrate on two subjects than four for example - but not if you have to revise for 6 exams in May next year. Hopefully though you'll feel far more confident about all four by November regardless. It might not be a bad idea to start a plan for your revision before the term starts in September - if you can drip feed some knowledge in that time you'll find the last push of revision during October that bit easier.

You also got me a bit worried about next year with your comments about your tutor - I'm planning 2-4 weeks Maternity Leave at the beginning of the year, and am desperate not to disrupt my students learning too much. From a student's perspective - if you were set individual study for a couple of weeks at the beginning of a year would you do it? Please be honest! I still have time to generate some Self taught worksheets before the beginning of term.

Steve - thanks for picking up the downloads issue. If I see audio materials in the next catalogue I get, I'll expect a commission cheque! I have to admit that I have always found it slightly incongruous that for all the discussions and statements of ethics on equal opportunities that the CIPD doesn't seem to offer large print or audio materials for the visually impaired. A friend of mine failed his exams and gave up his studies partly as a result of struggling with materials. Ironic given the stance proclaimed - but I guess that's a different thread.

Clare - I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how you get on, and if I ever work out how to change my profile email me to let me know how you do, or if you need any other help.

Kind regards

Claire