Ten top revision techniques to try today

There are plenty of different ways to revise, from reading over notes to testing yourself with past papers.

You can mix up your revision sessions with these 10 methods.

1. Active recall

• Active recall is a scientifically proven method to improve your memory. To practise active recall, read your notes on a topic, then test yourself through quizzes, past papers or some of the other methods below.
• This way, your brain is trained to remember key information, rather than just passively reading it.

2. Blurting

• You may have seen blurting on #StudyTok and have questions about what it is! Blurting is actually a form of active recall.
• It’s where you write down everything you know on a topic (or blurt it out!), before checking your notes for gaps. You then revise again, focusing on the gaps in your knowledge and repeat.

3. Flashcards

• For another way to practise active recall, use flashcards. These are typically physical or digital cards with a question on one side and an answer on the other. Use them to test your knowledge.
• You can make revision more fun by using flashcards with friends or asking your family to test you.

4. The Pomodoro technique

• The Pomodoro technique helps break studying down into bite-sized chunks. You study in short 25-minute bursts or ‘Pomodoros’ then take a 5-minute break.
• It’s a good idea to schedule longer breaks if you want to study for a few hours at a time. Using this technique will stop you from getting overwhelmed and can be particularly helpful if you have ADHD.

5. Spaced repetition

• Spaced repetition is a technique you can use for all kinds of revision! It’s the practice of doing shorter revision sessions closer together to help you build your memory.
• Studying topics after school, then one day, three days and a week later can help you solidify your learning.

6. Past papers

• You can practise real exam questions to develop your exam technique with past papers from your exam board.
• Try setting yourself a timer to practise under exam conditions. Use the mark schemes to mark your own work and develop your understanding of what examiners are looking for.

7. Mind maps

• Using visual diagrams, you can map out key topics and ideas to see what you know and what you need to revise.
• Start with a central topic and draw branches to connecting ideas and information.
• This technique is great for Science, Geography and History, where you need to see the connections between different concepts and events.

8. Teaching others

• Something to practise with friends or family, teaching others is a great way to show that you truly understand a topic. If you can explain it to someone else in a clear and concise way, you’ll know you’ve done more than just memorise your notes!

9. Review your weak points

• Understanding your strengths and building on your weak areas is a great way to balance your revision.
• Focus on the areas you struggle with, revising and improving these areas first.
• Mix up building on your strengths and improving weak spots. This will keep your revision efficient and means you can build confidence, ticking off your weaker areas as you go.

10. Multi-sensory revision

• Using all your senses by reading, speaking, listening, and writing can improve your active recall. This revision technique engages different parts of your brain.
• Using all the techniques above, you can practise multisensory revision yourself.