After studying for various qualifications over the years, I noticed that some techniques work better than others at helping me retain information and perform well on exam day.
The D1 module, focussing on winemaking and viticulture, was the perfect opportunity to put these techniques to use.
Following the process below enabled me to pass D1 with distinction. I also followed this process for D2 (a further distinction) and I’m currently applying it to the theory parts of the D4 and D5 modules.
I hope you can use the tips here to support you with your own studying.
1. Study a Little Each Day
Every day I wake up before my family, brush my teeth, set a timer for 50 minutes and start studying. I see it as a mini achievement to get my butt to my desk this early in the morning. Any additional time I am able to study later in the day is simply a bonus. Naturally, some days require more effort than others, but the beauty of habit is that it gets easier over time.
Fifty minutes each day accumulates to a lot over the weeks and months, and spreading the studying out helps the information stick long term. This is especially useful as D1 knowledge is also required for later Diploma modules.
2. Use Flashcards Effectively
Flashcards provide a more active form of studying, one that is more mentally strenuous and just makes the information stick. It took me a while to drop writing notes and rely solely on flashcards, but in doing so, I’ve saved heaps of time.
Here’s how I successfully incorporated flash cards into my study routine.
After reading the material enough to understand it, I attempt to explain it out loud (this is known as the Feynman Technique). I never imagined I’d be explaining the benefits of mulching to an empty room, but it quickly shows me where my knowledge gaps are.
Next, I’ll turn the topic into a flashcard question, such as “What is Bordeaux mixture?” or “What are the effects of lees ageing on wine?”.
I group the flashcards into small sections to ensure that cards I don’t get right first time come back around quickly.
As I work through the flashcards, I’ll separate them into two piles depending on whether I know the answer or not. If not, I’ll consider using a picture or memory association to make it stick.
I keep working through the “not” pile until all cards end up in the “know” pile. I then record the success of my first attempt in my revision timetable (see below for more info) and move on to the next deck.
I prefer using small, coloured paper flashcards. Although electronic flashcards are great for automating the spacing of the testing, paper flashcards are easier for drawing pictures and mind maps.
3. Use a Retrospective Revision Timetable
Retrospective revision timetables are a recent discovery for me (thank you, Ali) and ensure that time is spent on the topic that needs the most attention.
The material can be learnt to an “exam-ready” level as early as possible and reduces the risk of not spending enough time on more difficult topics.
Here’s how it works…
Each time I run through a flashcard deck, I record the date in a spreadsheet along with a colour associated with how well I did. If I get most cards incorrect, I mark the date in red, if I get most correct, I mark it in orange, and if I know nearly all the material to an “exam-ready” level, I mark it in green.
Once through all decks, I start again, this time prioritising those I performed worst at and practiced the longest ago. I kept repeating this process until all decks are green.
4. Practice Exam Technique
Strategy is everything on exam day.
The examiners’ reports allude to the most common pitfalls being poor time management and students not answering questions directly. There are some simple ways to address these two risks.
To maintain good time management, at the start of the exam, I note the times I need to move on to the next question. For example, if question one carries 20% weight of the 90-minute exam, add 18 minutes to the time the exam started, and write this next to question one. This helps me to give appropriate time to answer each question without running over the overall allotted exam time.
To ensure I answer the questions directly, I re-read the question multiple times whilst writing the answer. By doing this it quickly becomes clear when I’m trying to shoe-horn in interesting information that perhaps isn’t completely relevant to the question, and it keeps me on track.
Remember that while practicing with flashcards is great to build knowledge, the questions on exam day will require longer answers that connect topics together. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared to write longer responses under time pressure.
I find it helpful to make up exam-style questions e.g., explain the advantages and disadvantages of organic viticulture (30%). I set a timer for 27 mins, write an answer, and then review against my notes.
5. Trust the Process and Believe in Yourself
It’s easy to feel intimidated by the quantity of knowledge required for the D1 exam. I find it helps to remind myself that this process works and there will be a time when I just know all the information—there are just a few steps to take first!
Wherever you are with your wine education, I wish you the best of luck!