Revising IGCSE chemistry

1. Revising IGCSE chemistry

2. Know what you need to know • Your starting point is the Edexcel IGCSE chemistry specification which lists all learning objectives e.g. 1.5 understand the terms atom and molecule • For Paper 1 you only need to know the objectives which are not in bold. Paper 2 all objectives including the bold ones

3. Check eachlearning objective • Select a subsection e.g. 1b. • Write the heading of the subsection (e.g. atoms)on a piece of paper. • Now using the specification or your section notes, check eachlearning objectivewhether you can ‘understand’, ‘describe’, ‘calculate’ , ‘recall’, or …. it. Check this by writing keywords, drawing tables, sketching, labeling, drawing flowcharts, making up your own questions, explaining it to yourself (e.g. in front of the mirror) and so on depending on your own learning style. • If you “can” the learning objective, then tick it on your checklist and move on to the next objective but be honest with yourself!!!!!! • If you cannot, you will need to relearn it. Use your notes, textbook, internet, wiki, friends, teacher to help you so you can “recall”, “understand” ,…it. When you do, tick it on your list.

4. Check alllearning objectives • Once you feel you “can” each learning objective in a subsection, place everything you have written or drawn or ……out of sight and use the sheet with the title of the subsection on to recall all learning objectives by linking them to the main idea of the subsection; • You can do this by writing down the key ideas, making a concept map, talking to yourself (maybe even record it), …. This linking is very important as it helps you to remember ideas longer. • Then check with your textbook, notes, specification…. if what you have written/drawn/said is correct and detailed enough.

5. Testalllearning objectives • Now test your knowledge and understanding of the subsection by doing past paper questions, or redoing the topic test or doing any other questions on the subsection. Check your answers. If you are happy with the accuracy and detail in your answers then .. • move on to the next subsection in your next revision session • If you are not happy than identify which learning objective(s) the questions you were unable to answer unsatisfactorily were linked and revisit these.

6. Checking a section • Once you have completed each subsection in a section link all ideas of the subsection to the main idea of the section • Best method is a concept map with the title of the section at its centre e.g. principles of chemistry • Once again check for completeness and revisit any objective which lacks accuracy and/or detail

7. Reflection • Decide on how well you “can” a subsection or section • Identify statements which need revisiting • Could some ideas be learned in a better way? e.g. using a table, a diagram, a memory aid

8. Techniques • Make up your own questions, e.g. mc, whilst checking each statement. • Make up a structured question when checking subtopic/topic. • Draw concept map of all statements or ideas in statements linked to topic.