Revision techniques to increase information retention

Studying for upcoming exams can often be daunting, due to time limitations, the depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding required. 

Naturally, this can leave many students stressed, frustrated and with difficulty retaining key information despite hours of dedication. 

For this reason, I have created this post to share with students with some fantastic methods for increasing information retention. Which ultimately leads to an improvement in students' subject knowledge and confidence and a dramatic improvement in grades.

      I.         Active recall: This involves recalling information from memory without any prompts or cues, such as looking at notes or textbook passages. This technique can be done in several ways, such as writing down what you remember, explaining it to someone else, or testing yourself with flashcards. Active recall helps to engage your brain and reinforce the connections between neurons, which enhances memory.

     II.         Spaced repetition: This technique involves revisiting information at regular intervals, such as every few days or weeks, to keep it fresh in your memory. This allows you to retain the information for a longer period of time, as your brain continues to retrieve it from memory and reinforce the connections.

   III.         Practice testing: Practicing with mock tests or quizzes can help you identify areas where you need to improve and reinforce the information you already know. It also provides you with an opportunity to recall the information actively and identify any gaps in your understanding.

   IV.         Elaborative encoding: This involves relating new information to what you already know, making connections between the new information and your prior knowledge. This technique helps to create a deeper understanding of the material and make it easier to recall later.

    V.         Mind mapping: This involves creating a visual representation of the information, such as a diagram or chart, to help you understand and retain it. Mind mapping can also help to identify connections between different pieces of information, making it easier to recall.

   VI.         Use of mnemonics: Mnemonics are memory aids that can help you remember information by associating it with something memorable, such as a phrase or acronym. This can be particularly helpful for remembering lists or sequences of information.