Tip 2 Quiz yourself: When it comes to learning, reviewing the information is not enough. You need to test yourself repeatedly. The act of retrieving information from memory strengthens connections in the brain and it is useful for telling you what you do and do not know to guide your learning.
1. Flashcards Test yourself using your flashcards. You can do this either by stating the answer out loud, writing down the answer or by getting someone else to test you. Make sure you actually state your answer before checking the back of the card! Also, practice the cards until mastered and revisit over time.
2. Free recall Simply get a blank sheet of paper and write out everything you can remember about that topic. Alternatively, use any of the following study strategies covered in Tip 1 i.e. recreate a concept map, mind map, or diagram from memory! Check your notes to find out where your weak areas are so as these can be targeted. This is a really effective revision tool as not only are you testing yourself but you are also relearning the content.
3. Practice tests The most important way to prepare for an exam is to test yourself in the format you will be tested in the exam! Are there any online tests for your subject? End of unit test questions in textbooks? Past paper questions provided by teachers? Try to answer the questions without looking at your class notes. This will tell you whether you can both recall the information needed but also apply it to exam questions.
4. Cornell method Simply cover up your notes and answer the questions in your head, written down or out-loud.
Tip for parents – make sure your child is actually testing themselves and not cheating!
If you have time, have a go at testing them. Retrieval practice is hard, but evidence shows it really is effective.