Reading the same page over and over might feel like progress, but it often does little when it comes to remembering things on exam day. If that sounds familiar, it’s time to rethink your revision routine. The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference. Keep reading to find out how to make your study time count and feel more confident heading into your exams.
Why Traditional Revision Doesn’t Always Stick
You’re not alone if you tend to highlight notes or re-read textbooks as your go-to revision method. These approaches can feel productive, but they rarely help you remember things when it matters most. Instead, they often lead to last-minute panic and a rush to cram. That’s where smarter, more active strategies can give you an edge.
Use Active Recall to Lock In What You Learn
One of the best ways to get information to stick is by pulling it out of your memory without peeking at your notes. This is what active recall is all about. It can involve various techniques, such as asking yourself questions, writing down everything you remember about a topic, or using practice questions.
Save My Exams is a great tool for this, offering flashcards and exam-style questions tailored to your syllabus. The more you test yourself, the better you’ll remember.
Mix Up Your Topics with Spaced Repetition
If you’ve ever revised a topic in one sitting and then forgotten it the next week, you’ve seen how memory fades without practice. Spaced repetition is a smarter way to deal with that. It means reviewing topics regularly, with breaks in between. By going back over your notes every few days and then stretching the gaps over time, you’ll keep things fresh without burning out.
Try Interleaving for Better Problem-Solving
When you stick to one subject for too long, your brain can switch to autopilot. Interleaving helps you switch things up. This means mixing related topics as you revise, so instead of doing all your biology in one block, you might switch between genetics, cells, and enzymes. It keeps your brain alert and trains you to think flexibly, which is a huge help in exams.
Teach What You Know to Someone Else
Ever tried explaining something to a friend and realised halfway through that you didn’t actually get it yourself? That’s a clear sign of what you need to work on. Teaching forces you to put things into your own words. It doesn’t have to be formal, as you can talk out loud to yourself, write a summary, or even draw it out. If you can explain it clearly, you probably understand it well.
Make Use of Past Papers and Real Exam Practice
There’s no better way to get ready for an exam than to try the real thing. Past papers help you understand how topics are tested and what kinds of questions might come up. It also builds your confidence. Set a timer, sit down in a quiet space, and give it your best shot. The more familiar you are with the format, the less daunting the real day will feel.
One Last Thing Before You Get Back to Revising
Smarter revision isn’t about doing more, but about doing what works. Try active recall, spaced repetition, teaching someone else, or using past papers. Choose one method, stick with it, and see how much easier studying becomes. A small change today can make a big difference.
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