Effective revision methods compared
Different revision methods suit different jobs. Use a mix, and favour the methods that make you think rather than just look at the page.
Active recall
- Close your notes and try to remember. Best for: definitions, facts, steps of a process.
Spaced repetition
- Review the same material at growing intervals. Best for: anything you need to keep for months.
The Feynman technique
- Explain the idea simply, as if to a younger learner. Where you stumble is where your understanding has a gap.
- Best for: concepts in science, economics and maths.
Mind maps and summaries
- Show how ideas connect. Best for: essay subjects such as history and life sciences.
Past papers
- Show you the style of questions and how marks are given. Best for: the last weeks before an exam.