This blog post has been expanded and updated for the new Bar Courses (BVS, BTC and BPC), here: https://snigsclassroom.blogspot.com/2021/09/10-bar-course-knowledge-subject-tips.html
1. Always
use the syllabus. The syllabus will tell you what you need to know - and in
what level of detail - as well as what you don't need to know. Never make
assumptions - always check the syllabus. This may mean you may need to teach yourself topics which cannot be covered fully in classes.
2. Begin
with understanding each topic. Trying to learn something thoroughly without
understanding it, is almost impossible. If that means you start with lecture
notes, textbooks, revision guides, that is fine.
3. Once
you have that understanding, you can start to drill down into the detail. You
will need to look at the specific wording of certain rules and provisions. Now
is when you need to crack open your Blackstones and White Book.
4. Do not
cut any corners. There are no quick fixes. You need to cover everything. You
then will need to revise everything. My favourite topic might never come up; I
am not writing the exam paper!
5. Make
your own notes. They will help you make your own sense of the material. EVEN IF
your provider gives you handouts, slides etc. They can help you with your
understanding. But because you have not organised the information yourself, it
will not "stick" as well.
6.
Ideally, make your own notes in handwriting. Research has shown that the link
to memory from writing is better than with typing. I call it "pen
memory". Look up the research paper "The Pen is Mightier than the Keyboard" (Mueller & Oppenheimer, 2014) if you are sceptical.
7. Form a
study group from the outset. Supporting each other, learning from each other's
insights are important. We are also social animals. It is good not to feel
alone. Covering the material with a group can help lessen the load - divide the
topics between you.
8. Think
about the questions you are being asked to answer in class. What facts are
being used in the question? Why these particular clues? What are the clues in the question to trigger the
relevant knowledge? What sub-questions do you need to know the answers to in
order to be able to answer the main question?
9. Test
yourself regularly. Testing helps train the brain's recall. A "test"
doesn't always have to have the purpose of obtaining a pass mark - training
your brain is just as useful.
10. Start
as you mean to go on. Keep up as well as you can. If you fall behind, try to
catch up. Don't leave making your full set of notes to the last minute. Don't
leave trying to understand the subject matter to the revision period.
