Hi ATARNotes,
I'm very new to the site so please be forgiving with me!
Welcome to AN!
I came up with the idea of using my bio 3/4 classes to take down notes from the teacher and once I go home, I do a summary of the key ideas of the lesson using the Cornell note-taking method (I know you're supposed to do it immediately after class but I'm not sure if I'll have time between classes to write down summaries).
After I do a summary of the key ideas, then I create flashcards on Anki on concepts/information that is important from the day's lesson. Additionally, I'll also try to do as many practice questions as I can from Edrolo, my textbook, teacher handouts etc etc...
I think this is a great plan to go in with. Just be aware that it should be a fluid plan and at the end of the day, you might need to alter the way you study to suit your needs better. I personally didn't use flashcards but I think the most important thing would be that you are regularly using them and following the Anki timeline (don't just create them and not revise them). Make sure you understand what you're revising as well and that you are not just memorising definitions (don't feel like you need to know anything word for word). I definitely think practice questions are important (well more important) although sometimes the textbook questions are just revision/recall type questions (so you don't have to religiously do all textbook questions but only the ones you find useful. I haven't personally used the Edrolo textbook but I have heard the questions are quite good. I can't confirm though).
Another thing I would suggest, maybe watch the Edrolo videos before class or have a brief glance over the content ahead of the class. That way you've had a quick overview of the necessary knowledge and it will probably make it easier to understand the teacher during class, ask any necessary questions and take your notes. Finally, when the exam nears make a mistakes log book where you record your mistakes (both silly errors and knowledge gaps) and try to revise this too.
1. Where else can I find some practice exam questions for VCE bio?
2. When should I start doing practice exams?
3. Ideally, when should I aim to finish the course?
4. How do you make your Anki cards? What do you put into the cards and what do you filter out?
1. Hopefully your school/teacher will be able to provide a lot of practice questions throughout the year (I suggest doing the VCAA questions throughout the year if you can - StudyClix sorts them for you if you want to request that resource from your school. You can save the 2019/2020 questions if you want). I think there are other practice questions you can purchase if you want (such as ATARnotes Topic Tests) although it is certainly not necessary to spend extra money on resources to do well.
2. I think you should try to start doing practice exams after you've finished the course around 2 months before the exam (if you're keen and it's your only 3/4), although that is just a guideline.
3. Given that it is your only 3/4 I would try and finish at the start of September so that you have around two months of practice exams. Again, that is just a guideline, you can finish earlier or later and do just as well.
4. I didn't use Anki cards so I can't really give good advice here. Something I will suggest is adding some of the common mistakes you are making in practice exam questions (especially towards the end of the year) and make sure you are including key words that may be necessary when facing certain types of questions. And of course, prioritise practice questions over using Anki cards as it is possible to know the content really well but still struggle to answer questions using this knowledge.