Expert VCE teacher tip: Supporting your students with study notes

Helping students create effective revision notes is a powerful way to deepen their understanding and improve performance in final year exams.

Teachers can foster this skill by introducing scaffolding templates that break complex topics into manageable sections, such as key terms, key concepts, examples, and visual diagrams.

Teachers modelling how to summarise content rather than copy it word for word, can help students focus on the core ideas and relationships between concepts.

Incorporating classroom routines for note taking and revision ensures students are actively processing content rather than leaving it until the last minute.

With consistent practice, structured support, and opportunities for feedback, students can build confident, well-organised revision resources that serve them throughout their exam preparation.

Strategies to enhance recall when incorporated on a regular bases can include: 

• Timed “recall bursts” encourage students to test their knowledge without prompts.
• Guided note completion: students fill in missing information from partial notes.  
• Colour-coded themes: to visually organise ideas. 
• Low stakes peer review sessions: allows students to share and refine their notes collaboratively.

New resources for VCE teachers aligned with new study designs

Whether you’re planning PD in your own time or deep-diving into the new study designs, we have you covered with new resources designed with you and your classroom in mind.

Click links below to learn more about:

• Anywhere PD videos: your professional learning, your way. Currently available for FREE as part of a special AEA membership offer.
  NEW Video release: Breaking down Exam Questions in VCE PE using QAFMA
  
• NEW VCE HHD Extended Response Guide: fully updated for the latest study design, build confidence in developing and delivering extended response questions.
• Unit 2 & 4 SACs: aligned to the current study design, with clearly structured assessment tasks to support classroom delivery and student achievement.