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. History: The Edwardian age, 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.
  • History: The Edwardian Age, 3rd March 25 minutes
  • History: The Edwardian Age, 5th March 15 minutes
  • History: The Edwardian Age, 3rd April 15 minutes
  • ... and then at monthly intervals.