We’ve all heard of these “magical” revision tips and study hacks that’s supposed to help you skyrocket your grades and score you straight As. But, many don’t work that well for most of us.
Exams and tests can be challenging, but by applying scientifically supported revision methods, you can make the most of your revision time and build confidence in your abilities. The tips shared below are practical and easy to implement, a perfect fit for the tight schedule of busy students.
Note Taking
Note-taking is an extremely common revision technique, and if it works for you, then great! Done right, it can help you memorise information and get better results. We all love a little bit of aesthetic notes, like the one you see on Pinterest sometimes, but it can be quite time-consuming. For some, note taking might not be as effective as simply focusing and engaging with the content in class.
I personally hate taking pages and pages of notes, so I found that the best way to take notes in class is to jot down brief, quick annotations: questions and key points about your content. For example, for physics, you could jot down some key equations and annotate them for future reference. Make sure to review them after class otherwise, you’ll forget everything you’ve learnt.
If you really want to make another set of notes for revision, then you should use the following tips for guidance:
- Write in your own words and in simple terms. Writing everything down will just give you information overload. It’s better to be engaged and have an effective system of main points you understand.
- Make use of diagrams, visuals and white space. Cramming everything onto the page will make it a headache to read afterwards. Visuals can also help you visualise concepts and make it easier to remember afterwards.
- Refer to the syllabus for the topic you’re currently working on. I find that it makes the structure and focus of my notes much clearer, and helps me avoid rambling on about unrelated concepts. This will help you fill any gaps in your learning and figure out what to revise for.
- Use and annotate your teacher’s notes/slides or your textbook (online resources work too) as a starting point, before adding your own points. This will make the note-taking process much more efficient.
I like to use all of the above methods and always avoid taking notes from scratch. For avid notetakers, it’s important not to use note-taking as your only revision method, and that you incorporate active recall and other techniques into your revision sessions.
Extra tip: format your notes in a way that you can easily use the content to quiz yourself.
Above is an example of my own notes. As you can see, I’ve formatted it in a way that I can easily cover up the content to quiz myself on the subheadings. I’ve also tried to keep the information as simple as possible to make it easy to remember.
Blurting and Mind Mapping
Blurting involves writing everything you remember about a topic without looking at your notes, while mind mapping (spider diagrams) is a visual way to organise information quickly.
Using blurt and mind mapping together can maximise your study effectiveness. Begin by setting a timer for 5 minutes. Start with a main concept in the middle of your page, then branch out with correlated ideas, using lines to connect them. Write down everything that comes to mind, while still following the mind map structure. Try to visualise and organise those ideas as you go. At the end of making the mind map, look back and identify gaps in your understanding.
This combined approach helps you understand complex topics and enhances your overall comprehension. By integrating these techniques into your routine at the start of every session, you can make your revision much more effective.
Above is an example of my blurting mind map. This took me around 5 minutes to make, and I used this to structure my later revision. However, this served more as a general overview than a deep dive to see what exactly I remembered.
Active Recall
Perhaps the most effective method, active recall is a proven study technique that enhances memory retention and comprehension. Unlike passive learning methods, such as rereading notes or textbooks, active recall requires you to actively engage with the material by retrieving information from memory.
The magic of active recall lies in testing yourself on the material you’ve learned. Methods like flashcards, practice questions, or self-quizzing force your brain to work harder to retrieve information, strengthening neural connections and improving long-term retention.
Research shows that active recall not only enhances memory but also increases understanding of the material. By regularly testing yourself, you identify gaps in your knowledge and can focus on areas that need more attention. This technique also promotes spaced repetition, where you revisit information over time, further solidifying your understanding.
Common Revision Techniques and their Replacements
Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, rest for 5. This is great if you feel really tired and unmotivated, but isn’t the most effective for deep focus.
Replacement: Flowtime. If you have groups of small quick tasks, like doing a couple maths problems or reading a few pages, group them together into one session. For longer revision sessions, try to get into flow, a state of absolute focus and concentration with no distractions. First, you pick one task to focus on during a session. Once you’ve picked your task, start working on it, but note the time you began working. Keep working until you start feeling tired or distracted. Once you do, note the time and take a break.
The goal of this method is to get into a state of mind that you don’t want to stop studying, which may sound crazy. The trick is to start small and remove any distractions. I really like this technique because it allows me to work for extended periods of time without feeling constrained by a timer.
All-nighter: Sometimes, it happens and that’s okay. But it’s important to study ahead of time and reduce the likelihood of this happening. Try to use the time you spend on transport, waiting in lines or any scraps of free time to get a bit of revision in instead of cramming at the very last minute.
Replacement: Getting enough rest before the test. Even if you feel unprepared, it’s still crucial that you’re prioritising your health. Research shows that “better quality, longer duration, and greater consistency of sleep correlated with better grades.” In fact, nearly 25% of the variance in academic performance was attributed to sleep. This just goes to show how important sleep is for good grades, and your overall well being.
Quickly reviewing your flashcards or reading a chapter of your textbook before you go to bed can also help consolidate all the information you’ve learnt and make it easier to remember the material the next day.
Passive Studying:
Replacement: Even doing just a few practice questions for 10 minutes on the bus every day is better than highlighting and rereading your notes for hours at a time. This will help you retain your knowledge and overall comprehension, while helping you understand how to use it in familiar/unfamiliar situations (which is what exams test you on!)
You do not need to study for 7 hours a day to get good grades. Try to find something effective that works for you, while still having a balanced, healthy life. Academics are important, but so are your relationships, health and hobbies.
Sources
- Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266
- Shetty, M. (2024, January 10). Sleep and Academic excellence: A Deeper look | Student Blogs. Lifestyle Medicine. https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/01/10/sleep-and-academic-excellence-a-deeper-look/
- Newton, P. M., & Miah, M. (2017). Evidence-Based Higher Education – Is the learning styles ‘Myth’ important? Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00444
How to take notes and study smarter. (2024, November 20). News Portal. https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/the-art-of-note-taking-what-s-really-most-effective
