Let me just start by saying that revision techniques make or break your exam for you. Whether you’re prepping for exams, working on assignments, or juggling multiple subjects, finding effective study techniques can be a game-changer.
Not all techniques you know or practice will work the same way or always get you the results you are looking for and not all methods work the same for everyone, so it’s important to discover which ones suit your learning style.
To help you get started, here are my top five study techniques that have helped me achieve top grades in my GCSEs and certainly can help you as well!
Here we go:
Revision technique #1 Active Recall:
Quite early on during high school, I think during year 8, I came across the well-known video by Ali Abdal on active recall. And let’s just say my entire perspective and revision model switched over the span of minutes.
No, because literally I didn’t even have a laptop at that point, so I started by making spreadsheets on my tablet to keep track of my progress across all sciences and how well I was doing on the flash, which I track off, using the traffic light system.
Active recall is one of the most powerful study techniques because instead of passively re-reading your notes or textbooks, this method forces your brain to actively retrieve information, which strengthens your memory and understanding of the material.
I think in the video, Ali, mentions something about straightening the forgetting curve, which in normal people language, means you are becoming better at something and are less likely to forget it in the long term.
How to put it to work
– After studying a topic, close your book and try to recall key concepts or facts without looking at your notes.
– Quiz yourself on what you’ve just learned, either verbally or by writing down the answers.
– Use flashcards or apps like Anki to continuously test your memory over time.
I’ve been using Anki a lot lately, especially for A level biology:
Here’s what my progress so far looks like. Very sporadic, I know, but it’s only been a couple of weeks, since I started and I am still trying to get the hang of it.
Why It Works:
By actively pulling information out of your brain, you strengthen your long-term memory. The process of retrieval reinforces neural connections, making it easier to remember the information during exams.
Pro Tip:
Combine active recall with spaced repetition (which we’ll cover later) to maximize retention over time.
More of it is covered in Ali Abdal’s video
Revision Technique # 2. The Feynman Technique
Simplify to Master Any Concept…
Named after the renowned physicist Richard Feynman, the Feynman Technique is about mastering concepts by explaining them in the simplest terms possible. The goal is to teach the material in a way that even a child could understand.
Well, in my opinion, the content should be dumbed down to a point where even your stuffed animal can understand it. Mines do, just so you know.
How It Works:
– Choose a topic you want to study and explain it as simply as possible in your own words.
– Identify the gaps in your understanding and review the material again.
– Simplify your explanation further, removing jargon or complex language.
– Repeat the process until you can clearly and confidently explain the concept.
Why It Works:
Teaching forces you to identify what you don’t fully understand. By simplifying complex topics, you gain a deeper, more intuitive grasp of the subject.
I know this because, last year, I was struggling to explain certain concepts to my friends. In fact, I ended up being confused myself, which led me to realize that I don’t know the concept as well as I thought I did, therefore needed to review it.
Also teaching helps you make links between topics and understand what you are learning because you are forced to make sense out of it.
Pro Tip:
Try explaining the topic to a friend, classmate, or even to yourself aloud. If you get stuck, go back and review until you can explain it effortlessly.
Revision technique # 3. Pomodoro Technique
Now, I have to confess that I don’t use it regularly.
But I promise that I have a reason for recommending it.
I usually use it when my mind is very cluttered and distracted.
For example, today after a long day of volunteering, my mind is a mush. Hence, I put on a timed pomodoro revision video by karma medic, to have the illusion of having someone to hold me accountable for revising for my test next week.
The Pomodoro Technique is perfect for students who struggle with maintaining focus during long study sessions. This time management method helps break your study time into focused intervals, giving your brain structured periods of work and rest.
How It Works:
– Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus entirely on studying (this is one “Pomodoro”).
– After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break to relax.
– After completing four Pomodoro(s) (work intervals), take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
Why It Works:
The technique capitalizes on the brain’s natural ability to maintain focus for short bursts of time, reducing mental fatigue and preventing burnout. Regular breaks also keep your mind fresh and ready to absorb more information.
Pro Tip:
Use apps like Focus Booster or Pomodone to track your Pomodoro(s) and keep you on schedule. Or put on a YouTube video, with people recording themselves studying.
Peer pressure should be enough to motivate you to start studying
Revision technique #4 Spaced Repetition:
As I mentioned in technique #1 spaced repetition with active recall is probably match made in heaven. It is that unbreakable combo. The two best friends who can’t be separated.
Okay maybe it went too far.
However, spaced repetition is a scientifically proven method to retain information by reviewing it at increasing intervals over time. Instead of cramming all at once, this technique helps you revisit material just before you’re likely to forget it.
How It Works:
– Start by studying a topic and then review it the next day.
– Review it again after a few days, then a week, and so on, gradually increasing the interval between reviews.
– Use flashcard apps like Anki or Quizlet, which automatically schedule reviews based on your performance, ensuring you practice harder concepts more frequently.
Why It Works:
Spaced repetition combats the “forgetting curve,” a phenomenon where we gradually forget information unless it’s reinforced at regular intervals. This technique allows your brain to strengthen its grasp on the material by reviewing it right before you’re likely to forget.
Pro Tip:
Combine spaced repetition with active recall by creating flashcards for your study material and reviewing them regularly.
Revision Technique# 5 Mind Mapping
Mind mapping carried me through high school. Where most others preferred bullet pointing, I was already half-way through drawing the bobble around my mind map topic.
Revision for subjects like History, English and Religious Education was heavily dependent on mid mapping. And my mind maps were not colorful or organised.
It was basically circular blurting in a sense but it was better because I was making links throughout and you will be too if you choose to mind map over bullet pointing
If you’re a visual learner or need to organize complex information, mind mapping can be an effective way to break down and visualize topics. Mind maps allow you to represent ideas, facts, and relationships in a non-linear way, making connections easier to see.
How It Works:
– Start with a central idea or topic in the middle of the page.
– Branch out with related subtopics, using keywords or short phrases.
– Create connections between related ideas using lines or arrows.
– Use colors, images, or diagrams to enhance your mind map and make it easier to recall information later.
Why It Works:
Mind mapping helps you organize information in a structured yet creative way. It’s particularly useful for subjects with complex ideas, as it allows you to visualize how concepts relate to one another.
Pro Tip:
It doesn’t need to be pretty!
Conclusion
Effective studying isn’t just about putting in more hours—it’s about studying smarter. By incorporating techniques I have mentioned into your routine, you can improve your understanding, boost retention, and make your study sessions more efficient.
Try experimenting with these techniques to see which ones resonate with your learning style. The key is consistency, so find the methods that work best for you and incorporate them into your daily or weekly study schedule.
If you need further help with getting into a routine or need advice about acadamia read the following blog post about things you need to know about college and school.
Good luck, and happy studying!
Raniya