Master Your Revision Sessions: Top Revision Techniques for Success

Revision can be a daunting task, especially when there's a lot of material to cover and the pressure of exams looms large. However, using effective revision techniques can make your study sessions more productive and less overwhelming. Whether you’re preparing for school exams, university assessments, or even professional exams and assessments, the right strategies can enhance retention and understanding. Here are some tried-and-tested revision techniques, along with examples to help you get started:

1. Active Recall (a favourite of teachers)

Active recall is one of the most effective ways to improve memory retention. Instead of passively re-reading your notes or textbook, test your knowledge by recalling information from memory.

Example:

• After reading a chapter on World War II, put your notes away and write down as many key facts and events as you can remember. Then, check what you missed and review those parts again. We call this 'brain dumping' remember to use a different colour where possible to add what you have missed so you can clearly identify where you need to revise!

• Use flashcards to write a question on one side and the answer on the other. Quiz yourself and try to answer without looking, flipping the card only to check if you're right. You can also do this with quotations, for example you can write (Macbeth) '_____ me here,/ fill me to the ___ top full of ______ cruelty' then on the opposite side write the full quote with the missing words and your analysis. Photo example coming soon:

Why it works: Actively trying to recall information strengthens your memory of it, making it easier to retrieve during exams.

2. The Feynman Technique

Named after physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves simplifying complex topics by teaching them to someone else or explaining them in simplistic terms.

Example:

• If you’re studying biology and learning about photosynthesis, imagine you’re teaching the concept to a 10-year-old. Break down the complex process into simple, clear explanations that even a non-expert can understand.

• Or do this verbally with a classmate or a family member! see if they can explain it back to you while you check your notes to ensure you have done it right - this is more interactive and feels less like traditional revision.

• If you get stuck explaining a part, it shows where you need to focus your revision.

Why it works: When you teach or explain something, you identify gaps in your understanding, helping you refine and deepen your knowledge.

3. Spaced Repetition (used by teachers usually in their 'reviews' or 'starters')

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. The idea is to review material just before you’re likely to forget it.

Example:

• Use an app like Anki, Quizlet or Revision that schedules your flashcard reviews based on when you’re about to forget them.

• Instead of cramming all your revision into one week, plan to review topics periodically. For instance, after learning something new, review it the next day, two days later, a week after that, and so on.

Why it works: Spacing out your revision reinforces the material over time and combats the forgetting curve.

4. Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual way of organising information. It helps you see how different concepts are related, making it easier to remember and retrieve during exams.

Example:

• If you're revising for a history exam, create a mind map of a specific period, like the Industrial Revolution. Start with the main topic in the centre and branch into key events, inventions, significant figures, and consequences. Use colours, symbols, and images to make it more engaging.

• For literature you can create a mind map of a novel's themes, characters, and plot points for literature. Photo example coming soon:

Why it works: Visualizing information helps you make connections between ideas, improving understanding and recall.

5. The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management strategy that breaks your study session into short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes), followed by a short break.

Example:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus solely on revising a specific topic, like chemistry equations. Once the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).

• Use this method for subjects you find particularly challenging or for long study sessions to avoid burnout.

Why it works: Short bursts of focused work improve concentration, and frequent breaks refresh your brain.

6. Past Papers and Practice Questions

Doing past exam papers or practice questions can help you familiarize yourself with the format, types of questions, and time management.

Example:

• If you're preparing for a math exam, find past papers from the last five years and attempt to solve them under exam conditions.

• For essay-based subjects like English or history, practice writing answers to potential exam questions, focusing on structuring your responses and staying within time limits.

Why it works: Practicing real exam questions improves your ability to apply what you've learned, while also building your confidence in answering under time pressure.

7. Interleaving

Interleaving involves mixing different topics or subjects during your revision sessions, rather than sticking to one topic for a long time.

Example:

• Instead of spending a whole day revising only physics, mix it with other subjects like biology and chemistry. Study one subject for a set period, then switch to another.

• When studying math, work on a variety of problems from different chapters (e.g., geometry, algebra, and calculus) instead of focusing on just one area at a time.

Why it works: Interleaving helps improve your ability to differentiate between concepts, making you more adaptable and better prepared for unexpected questions in exams.

8. Chunking

Chunking involves breaking down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable pieces, or "chunks." It helps with remembering complex information.

Example:

• When memorizing historical dates, group events into clusters by decade or century, rather than trying to remember each one individually.

• In subjects like biology, break down processes like the cell cycle into distinct phases and learn each phase thoroughly before moving on to the next.

Why it works: Your brain is better at remembering smaller bits of information, so chunking makes it easier to digest and retain what you’re learning.

Conclusion

Revision doesn't have to be stressful or monotonous. You can turn it into an efficient, productive process with the proper techniques. Whether you're testing yourself with active recall, simplifying concepts using the Feynman Technique, or planning a study schedule with spaced repetition, these strategies can help you revise smarter, not harder. Mix and match these techniques to find what works best for you and refine your approach until you achieve your revision goals.

Happy studying! 📚✨