The Best Revision Techniques

Taking the time to find the best revision techniques is crucial for exam success. By adopting methods of revision which have been proven to be effective, you will see improvements in learning, memory retention, and time management, and ultimately an overall reduction in exam stress.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top revision techniques tried and tested by students, such as the Pomodoro technique, spaced repetition, flashcards, mind mapping, and practice tests.

Key Takeaways

• Significantly enhance exam success by using a combination of revision techniques that are matched to your preferred learning style

• Improve long-term memory retention and reduce stress by consistently applying effective revision methods

• Boost efficiency by incorporating technology into your revision plan

Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique involves short study sessions of 25 minutes followed by 5-minute breaks. This method helps maintain concentration and reduces mental fatigue.

To implement:

1. Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus intensely on studying

2. Take a 5-minute break after each session

3. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes

This technique improves concentration and time management skills, making your revision more efficient. Find out more about the Pomodoro Technique in this guide.

Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. This technique enhances long-term memory retention by leveraging the spacing effect.

To implement:

1. Use flashcards or apps like Anki that schedule review sessions

2. Review material more frequently at first, then gradually increase the time between reviews

3. Consistently follow the schedule to reinforce learning

Spaced repetition is particularly effective for retaining large amounts of information over extended periods. Find out more about spaced repetition in this guide.

Flashcards

Flashcards are effective for memorising smaller chunks of information using active recall. They promote active engagement with the material, reinforcing memory pathways.  

To implement:

1. Create flashcards for key terms and concepts

2. Review them regularly, focusing on cards you find challenging

3. Use digital flashcard apps for convenience and spaced repetition principles

Flashcards are versatile and can be used for any subject, whether you need to learn lists of vocabulary or whole scientific concepts. Find out more about creating flashcards in this guide.

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping involves creating visual diagrams to organise and represent information. This technique helps visualise connections between key concepts, improving understanding and recall.

To implement:

1. Start with a central topic in the middle of a page

2. Branch out to related sub-topics and ideas

3. Use colours, images, and keywords to enhance visual memory

Tools like MindMeister can help create digital mind maps, but traditional pen and paper work just as well. Find out more about creating mind maps in this guide.

Practice Testing

Practice testing involves self-testing or taking practice exams to gauge understanding and retention. This method identifies areas of weakness and reinforces learning through active recall. 

To implement:

1. Use past exam papers, topic questions, online quizzes, or create your own tests

2. Simulate exam conditions for a more realistic experience

3. Review incorrect answers to address knowledge gaps

Practice testing not only reinforces learning through active recall but also helps familiarise you with exam formats and time constraints. Studies show that re-creating exam conditions as closely as possible is one of the most effective ways of enhancing exam success¹.

Note-Taking Techniques

Structured note-taking methods enhance comprehension and retention through organised notes. 

To implement:

1. Try different note-taking methods like the Cornell or Outlining methods

2. Summarise key points in your own words

3. Review and revise your notes regularly

Effective note-taking during lessons and while studying helps create a valuable resource for later review. Many students simply re-read their textbooks, but studies show this is not an effective study strategy². Active methods, such as note-taking or making flashcards are far more effective for practising information recall. 

Collaborative Revision

Collaborative revision encourages discussion and diverse perspectives through online study groups and peer-to-peer learning. This approach increases engagement and facilitates deeper understanding. 

To implement:

1. Form online study groups using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet

2. Use collaborative tools like Google Docs for shared note-taking

3. Explain concepts to others to reinforce your own understanding

Collaborative revision increases engagement and helps clarify complex topics through peer explanations.

Incorporating Technology

Utilising educational apps and online tools can significantly enhance your revision process by enabling you to be more effective and efficient with your time.

Some of the key benefits are:

• Access to interactive and engaging learning resources 

• Ability to study on the go

• Tailored to different learning styles

Examples of each of the revision techniques listed above include:

There are also a number of free revision apps that combine many of these useful revision tools into a single platform, such as GoConqr and StudySmarter.

By incorporating these technologies into your revision strategy, you can truly ‘work smarter, not harder’ by improving your time management and organisational skills as you prepare for your exams.

Understanding Your Learning Style

Identifying your preferred learning style is crucial for tailoring revision techniques to suit you. Recent statistics show that 65% of the population are visual learners³. However, auditory and kinesthetic learners also have unique strengths. By tailoring your approach to your preferred learning style, you can play to your strengths and enhance the effectiveness of your revision as a result.

Visual Learning

If you thrive on associating learning with visual content, you're likely a visual learner. Visual learners benefit from:

1. Creating diagrams and visual aids

2. Using mind maps to generate ideas and make associations

3. Producing large posters detailing key points

4. Utilising colour-coded sticky notes

Mind maps are particularly effective for visual learners, helping to show relationships between topics and acting as a powerful memory aid during exams.

Auditory Learning

Auditory learners often find traditional study methods challenging. If you have a fantastic memory for past conversations or can easily remember song lyrics, you might be an auditory learner. Auditory learners benefit from:

1. Recording lectures and listening back

2. Participating in group discussions or debates

3. Using mnemonics and word association devices

4. Creating and presenting revision topics to others

Having concepts explained out loud is the most effective way for auditory learners to absorb and retain information. 

Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learners tend to process information best when physically engaged. Kinesthetic learners benefit from:

1. Combining study sessions with exercise

2. Using small movements while studying, like bouncing a tennis ball

3. Utilising a standing desk to engage your whole body

4. Incorporating hands-on activities and experiments

Being active and learning through moving, doing, and touching is the most effective method for kinaesthetic learners.

How Save My Exams Can Help

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We provide syllabus-specific revision notes, ensuring you only revise what's necessary. You'll find detailed notes, flashcards, and topic questions with expert-written model solutions that show exactly what examiners are looking for. Save My Exams supports over 1.5 million students monthly, helping them feel empowered and confident going into exams. We are adding new courses all the time, so make sure to check back to see if we have uploaded your course.

To enhance your revision techniques, explore Save My Exams' resources by signing up on the website. Explore our resources at www.savemyexams.com or contact us with any questions that you may have at [email protected].

FAQs

What revision method is considered most effective?

There is no one answer to this, as it is dependent on your preferred style of learning. Active revision techniques tend to be more effective than passive techniques. These include using flashcards for summarising and identifying learning gaps, employing rhymes, stories, or mnemonics, sticking notes around your study area, tackling practice questions, participating in study groups, creating mind maps, and spreading out revision sessions over time.

Is revising for 1 hour a day enough?

Rather than focusing on how many hours you should spend on revision, it is more useful to think about the quality of the revision. Set yourself meaningful goals and create an achievable revision schedule. For example, for topics you understand very well, regular, short refreshers of 15 minutes may be all you need. Whereas for topics you understand less well, you may need to employ longer, more intensive sessions of an hour or more.

What is the 2 3 5 7 revision rule?

The 2 3 5 7 study method is a systematic approach to revision where you repeatedly review your study materials. You initially review your notes on day one, then again on days two and three, take a break, and revisit the material on day five and day seven.

What is the 1 2 4 7 rule for revision?

The 1 2 4 7 revision rule involves reading a topic for the first time on day one, then revising it on day two, day four, and finally on day seven. This technique ensures that the topic is reviewed three times after the initial reading, with progressively longer intervals between each revision.

References

1. Dunlosky, J., et al. (2013). Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4-58

2. Karpicke, J. D., Butler, A. C., & Roediger III, H. L. (2009). Metacognitive strategies in student learning: do students practise retrieval when they study on their own? Memory, 17(4), 471-479

3. Bradford, William C., Reaching the Visual Learner: Teaching Property Through Art (September 1, 2011). The Law Teacher Vol. 11, 2004

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