email bursts

It can be difficult to motivate students to revise before exams so getting them inspired to practice exam skills at home might be an even greater challenge. If we give them more bite-sized portions to work on at regular intervals, say 15 minutes, then it seems achievable without being too taxing for them.

Once such way is to put a class, or a series of classes, on a 'group list' in your email client. Then email students tasks or activities lasting about 15 minutes. If you want to ensure that your workload does not increase then using 'flash-card' activities where students get the correct or ideal answer could be a solution. Assessment for Learning is also a tremendeous tool for these shorter tasks e.g. If you send them a question (possibly a mini scaffold), and a peer-mark sheet for them to do before. Then when they have completed the question you send them an 'ideal'answer to compare their answers.

Feedback from students has been great and the vast majority signed up for the 'email bursts'. Some students liked the idea that doing these mini tasks meant that they were doing something extra, whereas other students felt that they were doing some work before the exam which they may not have done otherwise. Also, many thought that teachers had provided them with a more personalised approach to their studies with consideration of their academic needs. It really does not take long to discuss the various groups together as a department and then get individual teacher's specialising on a particular need e.g. moving between Level 3-4, A* or G&T, or a certain skill or section of your exam.

The key to a successful email campaign is to be regular and keep doing it until the exam. What do students wish to focus on? What do they feel are their weaknesses? Starting with a quick review/questionnaire will provide you with a clear idea of the sort of skills and activities you wish to start the 'email bursts' with.

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