5 revision methods to try
With revision season comes a range of revision methods that go beyond note-taking. Here are five of the best that help with retention, memorisation and retrieval.
Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals of time. The idea behind it is based on the psychological spacing effect, which suggests that information is better retained and learned when it is reviewed repeatedly over spaced intervals rather than all at once or in rapid succession.
It works best if the intervals between reviews gradually increase as you get better at recalling the information. Optimised spacing of reviews helps strengthen long-term memory retention, making it a good way of retaining large amounts of information over time.
This revision method works really well with languages and subjects where a wide range of facts need to be memorised.
Flashcards
Flashcards are a popular method of revision, but they need to be used properly for the technique to work. First, you create them by writing down questions, prompts, vocabulary words, or key concepts on one side of a card and their corresponding answers, definitions, or explanations on the other side. While you can buy ready-made flashcards, part of the learning process comes from developing your own.
When revising, go through the flashcards one by one, attempting to recall the information associated with each side. Then, check the answer by flipping the card over. Review the flashcards repeatedly over spaced intervals of time, as this repetition helps reinforce memory retention and strengthens recall of the information on the cards.
Flashcards are excellent for languages and memorising vocabulary, phrases, and grammar rules in foreign languages. They can also be used to memorise formulas, equations, scientific concepts, definitions, and key principles in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Blurting
Blurting is a new revision technique that you may have seen all on TikTok. It refers to a method of revision where you actively recall information without the aid of notes or textbooks. It involves attempting to recall as much information as possible on a particular topic or subject, often verbally.
Choose a specific topic or subject that you want to revise. This could be a chapter from a textbook, a lecture topic, or any other area of study. Set a timer for a short duration, such as 5 or 10 minutes. The goal is to recall as much information as possible within this time frame.
After completing the blurting session, review any areas where you struggled to recall information. You can then repeat the process multiple times to reinforce your memory. The technique is effective because it actively engages your brain in recalling information, which strengthens your memory and reinforces learning. By repeatedly attempting to recall information without external aids, you're essentially practising retrieval, which is a crucial aspect of learning and long-term retention.
This technique can help reinforce understanding of scientific concepts, formulas, principles, and terminology in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and maths.
For history, blurting can aid in remembering historical events, dates, key figures, and significant developments and solidify knowledge of historical periods, movements, and their implications. Blurting can also be used to revise English Literature to remember literary devices, plot summaries, character analyses, and thematic elements in literature and English classes. Recalling key quotes, themes, and literary techniques without referring to texts can also deepen understanding.
2357 method
The 2357 revision method is a way to plan your revision sessions as you approach exams. It's designed to promote efficient learning with focused study sessions, active engagement with the material, and regular breaks. However, it's not for everyone, as it's very structured and time-focused.
By breaking study sessions into shorter intervals with brief breaks, you can maintain concentration and productivity over an extended period of study.
The number "2357" corresponds to the duration of study sessions, measured in minutes. Two represents the length of the initial study session. It suggests studying for 20 minutes without interruption. While 3,5 and 7 represent the lengths of subsequent study sessions. Each session is slightly longer than the previous one. For example, the second session lasts for 30 minutes, the third session for 50 minutes, and the fourth session for 70 minutes.
It's common to take breaks of 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 7 minutes after each corresponding study session. After completing the four study sessions and breaks, repeat the cycle as needed. You can adjust the duration of study sessions and breaks based on your preferences and concentration levels.
Interleaved practice
Interleaved revision practice is a technique that involves alternating between different topics during a single study session. Instead of focusing on one topic or exclusively, interleaved practice mixes multiple subjects or concepts together. It's an effective study technique for retention across various subjects and skills.
When revising, a student might alternate between solving math problems on different topics, reviewing vocabulary words in different languages, or practising musical scales in different keys.
Interleaved practice also involves varying the types of problems or questions being addressed within each topic. This prevents students from becoming too comfortable with a specific type of problem and encourages them to adapt their problem-solving strategies to different contexts.
Interleaved practice also challenges students' retrieval abilities, which in turn enhances revision by promoting deeper processing and strengthening connections between related concepts.
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