Exploring Alternative Study Methods: From Flashcards to Mnemonics

Not sure how to get started with revising for your daunting exams? Whether you're revising for your GCSE's or A-Levels. These 5 revision methods will help you start thinking about what revision method might suit you best. Whether you’re a visual learner or you prefer to revise with a group of friends, these methods will help you to achieve the grades you desire!

Top Tip

Start revising early! I understand the urge to procrastinate and put off things until tomorrow or next week, don’t do that! The earlier you start, the less stressful it will be for when it comes to the last few weeks before your GCSE's or A-Levels so that you can really focus on perfecting your writing and exam techniques. It’ll seem hard at first getting through the content at first, but once you’ve found your revision technique it will be something you look forward to rather than avoid.

1. Mind Maps

The first revision method I would like to recommend is mind maps! Mind maps are an easy way to digest information at first glance. Having small bits of information, spread out on an A4 sheet of paper can make it both easy to visualise and memorise plus helps to summarise big and chunky topics. The best thing about mind maps is they don’t have to be dull and boring! Make your mind map as visually appealing as possible. Fill it with different colours, colour code it or draw pictures. Get as creative as possible. Mind maps are especially useful for subjects such as Science, where you can condense down multiple pages of content into a few mind maps.

2. Flashcards

Flash cards are another superb method to condense down information into a few single cards! This makes it easier to absorb and memorise information. Flash cards are especially useful for memorising small bits of information quickly and easily! Using flashcards for subjects like History (key dates and events) or English (quotes and character traits) can help you get through that jungle of content. Moreover, using flash cards for repetition helps you figure out what information you can remember easily and what needs additional effort. Helping you work on those weak links you may not have been aware of before!

3. Past Papers

Doing past papers will help you to get a real feel for what the actual exam will be like, and help you discover loopholes or areas you are struggling with. Timing yourself while doing practice papers will help you to see how long it takes for you to finish a certain paper and where you spend the most time. Practice papers are especially useful for subjects like Maths, where practice makes perfect. Repeating practice papers will be essential in getting you prepared for the exam in real time, it’ll help reduce your exam anxiety and nervousness you may have about sitting your exams.

4. Posters

Posters are another amazing way to condense down big chunks of information into digestible and easy to absorb content. Remember your GCSE’s consist of all of the work you have done through 5 long years. That’s a remarkable amount of content to get through! Making it as condensed as possible will make it easier for you to re-absorb the information, rather than writing down everything all over again. It is crucial to read through your content and summarise it down into a maximum of 2 to 3 pages per chapter/topic. Too much will make it overwhelming and put you off revising. Remember being concise is the key! Using posters to create character profiles for novels, such as ‘Macbeth’ and ‘An Inspector Calls’, will make it easier to understand the characters at first glance rather than having to re-read the novels all over again!

5. The Importance of Breaks

It’s understandable that with so much content and revision can get very overwhelming and stressful! Remember to take short breaks, for example revise for 45 minutes and take a 10 minute break. Get some healthy snacks, take a walk or go sit with your family/friends for a little bit. This will help you relax and help you be more proactive afterwards. Revising long hours becomes tiring and frustrating, making it harder for your brain to absorb the information when it’s tired. Your brain needs time to process and retain new information.

By taking regular breaks during studying, you give your brain a chance to consolidate new memories and make connections. Studies have shown that taking breaks can help you retain information better and recall it more accurately later! If you are worried about wasting too much time or you're concerned with how you're going to cover all your content before your GCSE's or A-Levels, make a timetable! Plan, plan and plan! Planning all the topics you need to cover for your subjects helps you equally spread it out rather than having to cram and complete it in one day. I recommend making a timetable as soon as possible to help get an early start on revision and prevent you from stressing in the last few weeks running up to your exams!