Lecture Notes on Revision Timetables

Introduction

• Presenter: Ali, a junior doctor from Cambridge
• Topic: Revision timetables
  • Focus on comparing prospective and retrospective revision timetable methods

Prospective Revision Timetable

• Definition: Planning revision in advance, typically weeks before exams
• Structure:
  • Dates on one axis
  • Topics planned in advance for each day
• Problems:
  1. Prediction Difficulty: Hard to anticipate which topics will be difficult weeks in advance.
     • Unexpected events can disrupt plans.
     • May lead to unnecessary repetition or missed topics.
  2. Time vs. Topics: Focuses on revising topics according to time rather than understanding.
     • Encourages ticking boxes rather than learning.
  3. Lack of Overview: No clear view of topic mastery or areas needing focus.
  4. Procrastination Tool: Making a detailed timetable can become a procrastination activity.

Retrospective Revision Timetable

• Definition: Plans revision based on what has been done, adapting as you go.
• Structure:
  • Topics on one axis, dates of revision recorded as you go
  • Focuses on revising what you haven't mastered yet
• Benefits:
  1. No Need for Prediction: Avoids the need to predict future difficulties.
  2. Overview and Focus: Provides a clear view of what has been revised and what still needs attention.
  3. Topic-Based Learning: Encourages revising based on mastery rather than a fixed schedule.
  4. Easy Setup: Simple to create and adapt spreadsheet; no need for complex plans.

Practical Application

• Implementation:
  • Use Google Sheets to track revision
  • Use active recall and spaced repetition
  • Color-code topics based on confidence and mastery (Green, Yellow, Red)
• Example:
  • Track topics such as physiology, psychology, etc.
  • Focus on weakest topics using active recall practice
  • Adjust based on self-assessed understanding

Conclusion

• Advantages of Retrospective Method:
  • Provides flexibility and efficiency in revision
  • Enhances understanding and retention through spaced repetition and active recall

Additional Information

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Final Thoughts

• Retrospective revision timetable is more adaptive and effective.
• Encourages adapting methods to personal needs and ongoing feedback.
• Engagement: Invites viewers to suggest a better name for the method or ask questions in comments.