How to Revise Effectively: Proven Techniques That A* Students Actually Use
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- 2 days ago
- 14 min read
Teaching someone else helps you remember 95% of the information you share.
This remarkable fact shows why some revision techniques work dramatically better than others. Most students struggle with traditional methods like re-reading notes. They don't realize that our brains naturally forget information over time without active retention efforts—a phenomenon called the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve.
Top students consistently use proven revision methods to achieve excellent results. The structured timing of the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) and the scientifically backed practice of spaced repetition share a crucial element: they involve your brain actively rather than just reviewing information passively.
This piece explores powerful revision techniques that deliver results, such as retrieval practice , interleaving, and teaching concepts to others. You'll discover practical strategies to create an ideal study environment while you retain control of your wellbeing throughout the revision period. Cramming at the last minute simply doesn't work.
Let's reshape how you prepare for exams.
Find the Revision Methods That Work for You
Generic revision methods don't work. Your classmates' success strategies might leave you stuck and confused. Studies show that people learn and retain information differently, so you need to find your own best way to revise.
Experiment with different techniques
Educational research shows that trying new methods gets better results. Don't stick to what you know - test different approaches to see what clicks with your brain. Students often use passive techniques like re-reading notes or highlighting textbooks that don't work well, yet they keep using them out of habit.
Try these alternatives:
Creating mind maps or visual diagrams
Teaching concepts to someone else
Using flashcards for active recall
Recording yourself explaining topics
Gamifying your revision with quizzes
"Everyone revises differently," notes Shay, a high-achieving student [1]. This viewpoint is vital when developing your revision strategy. Many educators suggest trying at least three different revision techniques to find what works best.
Students who experience sensory overload find that breaking work into smaller, manageable chunks helps them learn better [1]. Students with dyslexia retain information better when they read notes aloud instead of silently [1].
Identify your learning style
Your natural way of processing information can make your revision much more efficient. The VARK model shows four main learning styles that affect how we absorb and retain knowledge [2]:
Visual learners like diagrams, charts, and visual representations. They do well with color-coded notes, mind maps, and educational videos. Flash cards with diagrams work great for visual learners.
Aural (auditory) learners learn best through sound and speech. Recording lectures, joining study discussions, or creating topic-based playlists helps them learn. Reading information aloud boosts their retention by a lot.
Read/write learners do best with text and written information. Written notes, textbooks, and putting information in their own words work well for them. They excel at creating detailed written summaries.
Kinesthetic learners grasp concepts through hands-on experiences and physical activities. Practical demonstrations, movement while studying, and learning through trial and error help them most.
Most people use a mix of these approaches based on the subject [2]. The VARK questionnaire helps you identify your learning priorities and guides your revision strategy.
Avoid copying others blindly
Students often make the mistake of using someone else's revision methods without thinking about their own needs. Dr. Anna Colton explains that "Every subject is different and your teachers all have really good advice on how to maximize your time" [1]. Math revision techniques might not help with literature or history.
Lauren found active revision techniques worked better than just writing notes [1]. Baxter found that there was a problem with reading notes silently because of his dyslexia, but reading aloud helped him remember key words [1].
Your revision techniques should match both your learning style and each subject's needs. You might need to adjust your approach as you move through different educational levels or tackle harder material.
Note that customizing your notes with personal elements like color coding or diagrams helps you understand better—the more customized, the better it works [3]. Mix up your revision sessions between reading, writing, visual aids, and interactive activities to stay focused and motivated [3].
Finding your ideal revision methods needs self-awareness, experimentation, and flexibility. Once you find what works for your brain, revision changes from a boring task into a powerful tool for academic success.
Make Revision Active, Not Passive
A new study shows a startling fact: 84% of students use re-reading notes as their revision method, and 55% call it their main strategy [4]. These students waste precious study time.
Why re-reading isn't enough
Many studies prove that re-reading doesn't work well [4]. Your brain switches to skim-reading mode when you read the same material repeatedly. This prevents you from processing the content properly [4]. The information never sticks in your long-term memory.
Passive revision methods like re-reading create a dangerous false confidence. Your brain tricks you as you become familiar with a text. The increased reading speed makes you think you've learned the material [4]. You only recognize the word patterns instead of understanding the actual concepts.
Highlighting and underlining text are traditional methods that create this same false sense of learning without helping you remember better [5]. You feel productive using these approaches, but they give poor results [5]. The time has come to move toward active methods that really help you retain information.
Use flashcards, quizzes, and teaching others
Active recall makes your brain retrieve information instead of just recognizing it. This forms the foundation of effective revision [6]. Studies show that retrieval practice works better than any other revision strategy [4].
Here are some powerful active revision methods:
Self-quizzing: This method uses the "testing effect" - your memory keeps test material longer than re-read material [5]. It needs more mental effort than passive methods, but the results make it worthwhile [5].
Flashcards: These simple tools test and boost memory by making you recall actively [7]. Group them by themes to use flashcards well. Ask questions about specific topics and link different concepts [5]. The Leitner system helps too - move cards between five "boxes" based on how well you know them [7].
Teaching others: Learning works best when you teach someone else [8]. Explaining ideas to others (even imaginary audience) makes you understand them first. This strengthens your knowledge [1]. You quickly spot gaps in your understanding [9]Â and build new mental connections [9].
The Feynman Technique shows this well: pick a topic, explain it simply to someone, find gaps in your knowledge, then teach it again using fewer notes each time [10]. A simple rule applies - if a child gets your explanation, you know the subject well [10].
Gamify your revision sessions
Making revision into a game changes boring study sessions into fun activities. Gamification brings video game elements into learning. It adds design, story, leaderboards and rewards to boost motivation and efficiency [11].
A university teacher found that a game-based quiz called "The Chase" helped students engage more during revision [2]. Students could access modern technology while making revision interactive and fun [2].
You can create your own game-like revision by:
Active learning helps your brain process information better than passive methods [1]. Making revision interactive instead of boring helps you remember more and enjoy exam preparation.
Study Smarter with Interleaving and Spacing
The science leaves no doubt - your study session organization matters as much as the content itself. Two powerful techniques - interleaving and spacing - can boost your exam scores by making your memory and recall stronger.
What is interleaving?
Interleaving mixes different topics or problems in one study session. This differs from "blocking," where you stick to one topic before moving to another. Let's look at a typical study approach: you spend two hours on algebra, then two on geometry, and finally two on statistics. With interleaving, you'd study all three topics in smaller chunks throughout each session and switch between them often.
This method feels harder at first, but research shows it almost doubles test scores just one day later [12]. Cognitive scientists call these "desirable difficulties" - making learning tougher in ways that build stronger memories [13].
Interleaving shines at improving discrimination learning. Studying related topics side by side helps you spot differences between similar concepts [12]. To name just one example, when you review different math formulas, interleaving helps you notice subtle variations that might blur together if studied separately.
Interleaving works because it:
Makes your brain retrieve different types of information continuously
Stops the false confidence from short-term familiarity
Builds stronger links between related concepts
Matches how questions appear in actual exams (mixed randomly)
How to mix topics effectively
Starting with interleaving requires you to identify your main study topics. Break these into smaller subtopics or specific question types. Your study schedule should mix these subtopics within and across subjects [14].
A mathematics revision session might look like this:
Time | Traditional Blocking | Effective Interleaving |
9:00-9:30 | Algebra problems | Algebra problems |
9:30-10:00 | Algebra problems | Geometry problems |
10:00-10:30 | Algebra problems | Statistics problems |
10:30-11:00 | Geometry problems | Algebra problems |
Note that interleaving doesn't mean you should abandon focused study. Many teachers suggest a hybrid approach: learn new material through blocked practice, then use interleaving during revision [13].
In stark comparison to this, interleaving isn't just random mixing. It works best with related topics that need careful distinction between concepts [13]. Mixing unrelated subjects (like anatomy terms with Indonesian vocabulary) shows no real benefit [13].
Spacing your sessions for better recall
Spaced repetition goes hand in hand with interleaving. You revisit topics at growing intervals over time. This method helps curb the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve, which shows how information fades without regular review [15].
Each review strengthens your memory and extends your retention period [15]. Studies prove that spaced repetition speeds up learning [3].
C.A. Mace explained the best approach in 1932: "Acts of revision should be spaced in gradually increasing intervals, roughly intervals of one day, two days, four days, eight days, and so on" [3].
Spaced repetition works like this:
Review material right after learning it
Come back to it in a day or two
Check it again after about a week
Keep extending intervals as your recall gets better
These techniques revolutionize your revision approach. They might feel challenging now, but they create stronger neural pathways. This prepares you better for exams where topics mix together, just like they will on test day.
Revise with Friends (But Stay Focused)
Your revision puzzle might be missing one key piece - studying with peers. The British Psychological Society's research shows students who teach others retain information better than solo learners [16]. This finding explains why revising with friends can boost your exam results dramatically - if you do it right.
Benefits of group study
Group study turns solitary revision into a shared mission with team spirit. You get multiple views on tough topics because everyone brings unique explanations that might help concepts click better than your teachers could. It also creates a complete picture of subjects when everyone shares their notes, materials, and knowledge [17].
The motivation boost might be the best part. You'll feel more accountable when others count on you - skipping scheduled sessions becomes harder when your peers expect you [18]. This team spirit provides emotional support during exam stress, so you won't feel alone in your academic challenges [17].
Collaborative revision brings these unique advantages:
Immediate feedback on your understanding
Exposure to different problem-solving approaches
Reduced feeling of being overwhelmed
More engaging and interactive learning experiences
How to avoid distractions
Without doubt, group revision has its pitfalls. Study sessions can quickly turn into social gatherings without proper structure. Successful study groups curb this issue with clear protocols:
Set explicit objectives before each meeting. Pick specific topics and timeframes. Send everyone the agenda beforehand so they come prepared [16].
Use timers religiously to stay focused. Work in concentrated 30-minute blocks with short breaks to keep discussions on track [16].
Rotate roles and responsibilities among group members. Taking turns as session leader or timekeeper helps everyone participate and prevents single-person dominance [16].
Choose your study companions wisely. The best revision groups have 3-4 people with matching goals and commitment [16]. Note that studying with less motivated friends rarely works well, whatever your personal discipline.
Be willing to leave unproductive sessions. Studying alone beats wasting revision time in groups that keep going off-topic [16].
Use peer testing and teaching
The "prepare to teach" technique stands out among group revision strategies. Each person takes 10-15 minutes to teach a specific topic to others [16]. This method uses the Feynman Technique - explaining concepts simply - which makes you pull information from memory and organize it clearly.
Peer-to-peer testing proves valuable too. Quiz each other using flashcards or teacher-provided revision checklists [19]. Group discussions after wrong answers help reinforce understanding [16].
Practicing exam questions together works wonders. Instead of just sharing answers, analyze mark schemes as a group, explain your thinking, and spot what examiners want [16]. This deeper analysis builds vital critical evaluation skills.
These peer-based techniques work because they turn passive knowledge into active understanding. Speaking concepts aloud to others reveals knowledge gaps that solo study might miss [16]. Questions from peers highlight exactly what needs more revision - something impossible to replicate alone.
Create a Distraction-Free Study Environment
Your physical environment plays a vital role in your revision success. It can make the difference between productive study sessions and wasted time. Setting up an optimal study space needs attention to both physical organization and managing digital distractions.
Organize your workspace
A tidy, organized study area directly affects your concentration. Studies show that clutter creates visual distractions that compete for your attention. This reduces cognitive resources you can use for learning. You should designate a specific area just for studying—this helps your brain link that space with focused work instead of relaxation or entertainment [20].
Good study spaces typically include:
A clean desk with minimal visual distractions
Good lighting to reduce eye strain
Comfortable seating that supports proper posture
All necessary materials within easy reach
Your organization should extend beyond physical space to your digital desktop too. Label computer files clearly and create a logical folder structure. This minimizes time spent searching for materials [20]. When you can't create a permanent study area, develop a routine to quickly transform any space into a study-friendly environment [20].
Use music or silence wisely
The debate about studying with music continues because research shows its effects vary by a lot between people. Music can help or hurt your revision based on your personality type, anxiety levels, and how complex your study material is [21].
Research shows introverted students perform worse on memory tasks with music compared to silence. Extroverted students might benefit from certain types of music [21]. Students who revised in quiet environments scored over 60% better in exams than those who studied while listening to music with lyrics [22].
Background sound can work if you prefer it. Instrumental music works better than songs with lyrics, which can create a "seductive details effect" that pulls away your attention [23]. Anxious students might find calming music or ambient sounds helpful in reducing stress that gets in the way of learning [21].
Limit phone and social media use
Digital distractions pose the biggest threat to effective revision in today's connected world. You need strategies to manage these interruptions. Each notification breaks your concentration and you might need 10 minutes or more to focus again [24].
These strategies work well:
Turn off notifications or switch to airplane mode during study sessions [24]
Use apps like Forest, Freedom, or Screen Time to block distracting websites and applications [25]
Keep your phone physically out of reach or in another room [4]
Create a specific schedule to check social media between study blocks [6]
Switch your phone display to grayscale to make it visually less appealing [4]
The Pomodoro technique—studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—gives you structured times to check devices without derailing your entire session [25]. Your determination to stay focused remains the key ingredient in maintaining a distraction-free environment [4].
Look After Your Mind and Body
Good revision needs more than just study techniques that work—you just need to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing too. Research shows that students who maintain healthy lifestyle habits do better in academics than those who don't look after themselves [5].
Take regular breaks
Short study sessions with smart breaks help you concentrate and remember better [26]. Your brain processes information better with breaks, unlike cramming which drains your mental energy. These pauses aren't a waste of time—they help cement what you've learned.
Make a quick note of where you stopped and what's next before taking a break [27]. This simple trick helps you stay focused when you return. It also helps to change your location during breaks to completely switch off from study mode [27].
Get enough sleep and eat well
Quality sleep makes you perform better by helping your brain store memories, process information, and clear mental toxins [28]. Students who sleep well get better grades consistently [29]. Try to sleep 7-8 hours each night and stick to regular sleep times [30].
Good nutrition plays a key role in how well your brain works. Students who eat enough vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins do better in reading and math [5].
Manage stress with movement and mindfulness
Exercise works wonders to beat revision stress. Quick 15-minute sessions of yoga or mindful walking help you focus better and feel good emotionally [7]. These activities:
Help release body tension
Make you feel happier with endorphins
Stop negative thoughts from spinning
Keep you relaxed yet alert
Mindful movement in your revision schedule can reduce stress as well as antidepressants [7]. These practices limit the mental energy you spend on unhelpful thoughts and help you stay clear-headed and emotionally balanced [7].
Conclusion
Good revision turns regular study sessions into powerful learning experiences. This piece explores proven techniques that top students use to get excellent results. Of course, finding your own revision style matters most—whether you learn visually, aurally, through reading/writing, or kinesthetically.
Self-quizzing, flashcards, and teaching concepts to others work substantially better than passive methods like re-reading notes. Methods like interleaving and spaced repetition build stronger memory connections and boost long-term retention.
You don't need to study alone. Working with focused, like-minded peers creates accountability and offers different viewpoints that boost understanding. Your study space plays a vital role too—a well-laid-out, distraction-free workspace directly affects your focus and learning efficiency.
Your wellbeing is the foundation of academic success. Regular breaks, quality sleep, good nutrition, and stress management through movement and mindfulness all help your brain work better during revision periods.
Note that good revision isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter. These proven strategies might need more effort than familiar passive techniques at first, but they'll end up saving time while improving your results dramatically. When exam season comes around, try these methods instead of last-minute cramming.
Good revision goes beyond passing tests—it helps you truly understand and retain knowledge for the future. Start small, try different approaches, and find what works best for your brain. Your academic trip will become quicker, less stressful, and much more rewarding.
Key Takeaways on How to Revise Effectively
Master these evidence-based revision strategies to transform your study sessions from time-wasting activities into powerful learning experiences that deliver real results.
• Discover your personal learning style through experimentation rather than copying others—visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic approaches work differently for each brain.
• Replace passive re-reading with active techniques like self-quizzing, flashcards, and teaching concepts to others—these methods improve retention by up to 95%.
• Use interleaving and spaced repetition to mix topics within sessions and review material at increasing intervals—this nearly doubles test scores compared to traditional blocking.
• Create focused group study sessions with clear objectives and peer testing to gain accountability and multiple perspectives while avoiding social distractions.
• Maintain your wellbeing through regular breaks, quality sleep, proper nutrition, and stress management—physical health directly impacts cognitive performance and academic results.
The most successful students don't just study harder—they study smarter using scientifically proven methods that work with how the brain naturally learns and retains information.
References
[1] - https://medicmentor.org/active-revision-techniques-effective-study-methods/[2] - https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/using-gamification-incentive-revision[3] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition[4] - https://brandft.co.uk/avoiding-distractions-during-revision/?srsltid=AfmBOorbjmhv98XbaIqLII-myI9WZBFnviO0__jYEx2KBtQt0LvTDqGR[5] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5343372/[6] - https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/vu-blog/how-to-avoid-social-media-distraction-while-studying[7] - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/managing-stress-and-building-resilience/[8] - https://help.open.ac.uk/revision-techniques/revising-with-others[9] - https://lifemoreextraordinary.com/revision/favorite-revision-technique/[10] - https://www.bcu.ac.uk/exams-and-revision/best-ways-to-revise/best-revision-techniques[11] - https://www.oxford-royale.com/articles/7-ways-gamify-studies[12] - https://www.uniadmissions.co.uk/application-guides/interleaving/[13] - https://my.chartered.college/impact_article/the-application-of-spacing-and-interleaving-approaches-in-the-classroom/[14] - https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/revision-tips/interleaving-study-method-a-guide-for-students/[15] - https://thirdspacelearning.com/blog/how-to-revise/[16] - https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/revision-tips/collaborative-revision-tips/[17] - https://npexamcoach.com/group-study-pros-and-cons/[18] - https://www.educateexcellence.co.uk/2024/12/13/stay-focused-stay-ahead-how-to-stay-motivated-during-revision/[19] - https://www.theacademycarlton.org.uk/_site/data/files/03-students/27BC0A62C827E418E5159465DE873115.pdf[20] - https://www.edology.com/blog/study-and-careers-advice/effective-study-space[21] - https://www.teachingtimes.com/does-listening-to-music-while-studying-improve-revision/[22] - https://www.innerdrive.co.uk/blog/music-while-studying/[23] - https://www.northamptonhigh.co.uk/blog/does-listening-to-music-help-or-hinder-revision/[24] - https://www.my-oxford.com/gb-en/blog/5-tips-to-avoid-distractions-during-revision/[25] - https://www.schoen-clinic.co.uk/post/how-to-stop-scrolling-and-actually-study[26] - https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/the-importance-of-breaks-and-downtime-during-revision[27] - https://bestforyou.org.uk/how-to-take-a-successful-revision-break/[28] - https://www.euclea-b-school.com/the-role-of-sleep-nutrition-and-exercise-in-effective-studying/[29] - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03670244.2024.2371154[30] - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/applying-for-university/university-life/5-ways-to-manage-student-stress/