Four steps to successful revision

Step 1: Understand

• Study the topic to be learned slowly. Make sure you understand the logic or important concepts
• Mark up the text if necessary - underline, highlight and make notes
• Re-read each paragraph slowly.

Step 2: Summarise
 

• Now make your own revision note summary:

- What is the main idea, theme or concept to be learned?
- What are the main points? How does the logic develop?
- Ask questions: Why? How? What next?
 

• Use bullet points, mind maps, patterned notes
• Link ideas with mnemonics, mind maps, crazy stories
• Note the title and date of the revision notes

(e.g. Business: Marketing, 3rd March)
 

• Organise your notes carefully and keep them in a file.

This is now in short term memory. You will forget 80% of it if you do not go to Step 3.
GO TO STEP 3, but first take a 10 minute break. 

Step 3: Memorise

• Take 25 minute learning ‘bites' with 5 minute breaks
• After each 5 minute break test yourself:

- Cover the original revision note summary
- Write down the main points
- Speak out loud (record on tape)
- Tell someone else
- Repeat many times.
- The material is well on its way to long term memory.

You will forget 40% if you do not do step 4. GO TO STEP 4

Step 4: Track/Review

• Create a Revision Diary (one A4 page per day)
• Make a revision plan for the topic, e.g. 1 day later, 1 week later, 1 month later.
• Record your revision in your Revision Diary,

e.g. Business: Marketing, 3rd March 25 minutes
Business: Marketing, 5th March 15 minutes
Business: Marketing, 3rd April 15 minutes
... and then at monthly intervals.