10 BPTC knowledge subject tips

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.