When exams approach, many students default to reading notes over and over again or highlighting textbooks in neon colours. While these might feel productive, research shows that they’re far from the most effective revision techniques. To truly boost memory and understanding, students need to revise in a way that works with the brain — not against it.

One of the most powerful strategies is active recall. This involves trying to remember information without looking at your notes. For example, close your book and try to write out everything you remember about a topic, then check what you missed. This forces your brain to retrieve the information — the same skill you’ll need in an exam.

Another science-backed technique is spaced repetition. Instead of cramming everything the night before, space out your revision over days or weeks. Reviewing the same content multiple times with gaps in between strengthens the memory trace in your brain, making the information stick.

Interleaving is also useful. This means mixing up different types of questions or subjects in a single study session. It mirrors how problems are presented in real exams and trains the brain to switch between concepts — improving problem-solving flexibility.

Lastly, teaching others is a surprisingly effective method. Explaining a concept in your own words (to a friend, parent, or even your pet!) forces you to clarify your understanding and reveal any gaps in your knowledge.

The key takeaway? Effective revision isn’t about how long you study — it’s about how you study. Techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, interleaving, and self-explanation are all grounded in cognitive science. Build them into your routine, and you’ll revise smarter — not harder.

Julian Podgornik