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Getting the most out of your lessons

This week, Phillipa Denham, author of some of our forthcoming Biology content, gives her tips on how to get the most out of school lessons.

Ever feel like you really can’t be bothered to go to English? Or, do you sometimes feel like you just are not as switched as you could be in your ICT lesson? Well almost everyone has at least one of these feelings at some time during the term; it is virtually impossible to always be ecstatic about the latest physics topic or about writing an essay on your favourite character. However, hopefully reading this may make you stop and change your approach to learning in lessons. Changing your opinion today may well have profound effects on what you do with your future, so here are some top tips at getting the most out of your lessons.

Drinking lots of water to stay healthy is not a myth; being hydrated will help you concentrate so drinking enough water throughout the day will help you stay focused and stop you feeling lethargic. As soon as you go into the lesson get all the equipment out that you may need during it, for example your exercise book,  a pen, ruler, pencil, rubber, and calculator. This will ensure that you aren’t still searching around in the bottom of your bag for things while everyone else has gone on to the next topic. Being prepared also means that you do not have to try and get the teacher’s attention to borrow anything and you can get straight on with the task that has been set instead of forgetting what it is that you are supposed to do or missing the instructions. If there is a starter on the board, get on with it. Look up how to do it in your book if that is appropriate or ask for a text book to jog your memory – both of these obviously depend on the lesson you are in.

During the lesson take notes, jot down ideas and explanations the teacher is giving – you don’t always have to wait to copy things down off the board. Tell the teacher beforehand that this is what you are writing if needs be; you don’t want to get told off for not listening!

If you finish a task, start a mind map in the back of your book to see how the topic you are learning fits in with what you have learnt already – this is a great revision tool. Another revision tip is to make fact cards while you go along that contain definitions or diagrams of key things you will need to remember – there is no need to wait until the end of the topic to prepare to revise for it. Be proactive, look at what is coming next and see if you can get on with it or look up things you may need to complete it successfully.

Lastly, make sure you are sitting in a place which has the least number of distractions – don’t choose to sit next to your best friend who you know you speak to endlessly or someone you know you just can’t work with. Remember, anyone can learn if they have the right attitude.

Image: Eclaire@Flickr:cc

Tags: GCSE revision, lessons, mind map, Revision
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PEEing can help you pass GCSE English language

Sadly not that type of peeing. The PEE we’re talking about is all about backing up your genius insights into GCSE English language texts with evidence. By doing this you’ll show that you understand the text fully and can prove it.

PEE stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation.

To write effectively about your GCSE English language texts you should first make a point. Let’s take John Steinbeck’s book Of Mice and Men as an example.

Curley’s wife is regarded as provocative by the men – this is your point. Then provide the evidence – in this case a passage from the text. “She ‘ain’t concealin’ nothing…she got the eye goin’ all the time on everybody,” says Whit – this is your evidence. Then explain or expand your point.  Whit’s comment clearly suggests that Curley’s wife is too flirty – this is a male judgement of her which does not consider how she feels. This is your explanation or expansion.

You’ll find lots information to help you PEE in our English Language Quotations and Analysis titles. Use them as part of your GCSE English revision and learning.

Tags: english, Revision
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Welcome to GCSEPod – A whole new way to learn & revise!

Revision isn’t fun.
That’s what they say. But the folks here at gcsepod don’t agree and we’ve been going to great lengths to prove it!
No honestly, we actually have.
Because we’ve spent the last two years chasing a dream, starting a business and searching the country for some of the most inspiring and dynamic educators
…And we’ve finally made it
Because today marks the official launch of GCSEPod – our premium range of all-inclusive, all-conquering study guides.
It’s been a while in the making and whilst we don’t have all our titles available right now we’ll be using this space to keep you updated whilst commenting on education in the news and from some of our favourite blogs. We’ll be inviting your questions, your comments and most importantly your opinions as we explore a new and exciting way to learn & revise on the move!
So why not get involved? Because we’re excited about our future & we want to share it with you!

Tags: GCSEPod, Learning, Revision
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