Best Strategies to Revise for Exams

Effective revision is key to performing well in exams, but not all study methods are created equal. Research shows that certain strategies can significantly improve how well we learn and retain information. Here are some of the most effective, scientifically-backed strategies for revising:

1. Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a powerful revision technique that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. It leverages the way our brains naturally forget things and combats it effectively:

Graph illustrating the concept of spaced repetition

Ebbinghaus' Forgetting Curve: Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus' research showed that spacing out study sessions over time helps combat forgetting, making it much more effective than cramming before exams.

Interval Timing: Studies recommend revisiting topics at intervals of roughly one-tenth of the time remaining until the exam. For example, if you have 30 days until your exam, revisit the material every 3 days .

Why it works: This method strengthens memory by reinforcing what you’ve learned over a period, ensuring better retention on exam day.

2. Retrieval Practice

Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information from memory, rather than passively reviewing notes or textbooks. Testing yourself regularly is one of the most effective ways to solidify learning:

Professor John Dunlovsky's Meta-Analysis: A large-scale review of over 1,200 studies found that self-testing through retrieval practice was one of the most effective strategies for improving performance .
Better Exam Performance: Students who regularly engage in retrieval practice perform 30% better in exams compared to those who rely on simple reading and re-reading .

Why it works: Actively recalling information strengthens memory and makes it easier to retrieve during exams.

3. Successive Relearning

Successive relearning combines the principles of spaced repetition with retrieval practice, focusing on mastering topics over time:

Dunlovsky, Rawson, and Higham’s Findings: Students using this method—repeatedly testing themselves and spacing out their study sessions—scored more than a full grade higher in exams .

Why it works: This technique ensures that knowledge is firmly cemented in your long-term memory and reduces the likelihood of forgetting important information.

4. Dual Coding

Dual coding involves using both words and visuals, such as diagrams, mind maps, or infographics, to enhance your understanding of complex concepts:

Improved Learning Outcomes: Research shows that revising with a combination of words and visuals leads to better retention and application of knowledge to new problems .

Why it works: Combining different types of information (visual and verbal) engages multiple parts of the brain, leading to deeper understanding and longer-lasting memory.

5. Active Recall

Active recall engages your brain by forcing it to retrieve information, rather than passively reviewing material. One technique is the "blurting" method, where you write down everything you know about a topic from memory, then check for gaps:

Improved Retention: Studies show that actively testing yourself repeatedly engages active recall and enhances memory retention, more so than passive review .

Why it works: By forcing your brain to work harder to remember information, you create stronger memory pathways, making it easier to recall during exams.

6. Consistent Test Format Practice

Practicing with exam-like questions in the same format as your final exam can significantly boost your performance:

Yang et al.'s Meta-Analysis: A 2020 study found that students who used self-testing in a format similar to their final exams performed better compared to those who didn't .

Why it works: Familiarising yourself with the format reduces anxiety on exam day and improves your ability to handle different types of questions.

7. Interleaving

Interleaving involves mixing up topics during revision, rather than focusing on just one subject for long periods. This technique might seem counterintuitive, but it has been proven to improve learning:

Robert Bjork’s 1994 Study: Bjork’s research showed that students who switched between topics (interleaving) during study sessions learned more effectively than those who focused on one topic at a time (blocking) .

Why it works: Interleaving forces your brain to constantly switch between different topics, making learning more challenging but leading to stronger understanding and retention.

Conclusion

Incorporating these evidence-based revision strategies into your study routine can drastically improve your exam performance and help you retain information for the long term. Instead of relying on cramming or passive review, try spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and dual coding to enhance your learning. By switching up topics with interleaving and practicing with exam-style questions, you can ensure you’re fully prepared for whatever your exams throw your way.

Student feeling confident after effective revision

Citations:

Best Strategies to Revise for Exams