Revision techniques
Active revision vs passive revision
Research has shown that simply reading notes is not an effective way to revise. It is too passive and doesn't fully engage your brain. The best way to learn is to be more active in your approach.
Take a look at our recommendations for some interactive revision techniques. Try several to find the ones that work best for you.
Mind mapping
As humans we find images easier to remember than words. Mind mapping is a technique of making notes in a visual way. It’s a great way to show relationships and links between different topics. Using colour and images as well as summary words will enable you to create a quick reference guide for the subject. This becomes your new revision material and a handy reminder of the content.
A walk-through video on the construction of a successful mind map.
Ask Explain Connect
Ask Explain Connect is a revision technique to help you turn reading into active learning. This technique encourages you to question concepts and explain them in your own words. This helps to improve your understanding and retention of the content by connecting it to your existing knowledge.
Pomodoro Technique
Managing your time and giving yourself regular breaks when studying are crucial to keeping your mind focused and refreshed. The Pomodoro Technique is great as you get regular rewards of short breaks.
Additional resources
Here are a couple of links to some suggestions of further revision techniques.
Here is a list of useful external resources that may prove helpful during your revision journey. Select the links below to access. **
- The power of a mind to map
Tony Buzan, author and educational consultant, discusses ways to ‘think intelligently’ by harnessing the power of mind mapping to learn effectively, in this engaging TedTalk.
- The Open University – Revision techniques
Advice on revision best practice including visual techniques, summarising your work and revising with others.
**Note: website references correct at the time of publication.