What does effective A level
revision look like?
The 4 steps to effective learning
Memorise a whole topic in four steps:
1. Understand It
2. Condense It
3. Memorise It
4. Review It
Stage 1: Understand It
Do you know what you need to
understand?
• Syllabus
• Past Paper Exam questions
• Revision Check List
• Revision Chunks
Do you know HOW to break it down to
make revision notes?
Stage 2: Condense It
Know and use your preferred learning
style
• Go big: Mind maps
• Go small: Index or Flash cards
• Literacy Learners: Revision Notes
• Numeracy Learners: Lists
• Aural Learners: Podcast/ recording
Focus on the key words/ facts
Mind Maps
• A mind map is a logical pattern:
How to arrange information
Theme
Main Ideas
Details
3. Memorise It
Use BOTH sides of your brain for maximum effect
Words
Mnemonics
Logic
Numbers
Sequence
Order
Lists
Left side
Rhyme
Rhythm and music
Pictures
Patterns
Colour
Smell
Right side
Mnemonics
MY
VERY
ECO
MOTHER
JUST
SAVED the
UNITED
NATIONS
but not
CARS Ceres
Mercury
POLLUTING the Pluto
Venus
ENVIRONMENT Eris
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Preferred Learning Styles
Most people use a MIX of styles
Visual
Learn best
by seeing
pictures,
diagrams,
etc.
Auditory
Learn best
by hearing
and
speaking
Kinaesthetic
Learn best by
doing,
moving,
experiencing,
etc.
Preferred Learning Styles
Visual
• Draw pictures and diagrams
• Colour code your work
• Use different colour paper and pens
• Use your own system of symbols, etc.
• Create images or scenes in your mind
Preferred Learning Styles
Auditory
• Say your work out loud – give
presentations to an imaginary
audience
• Record notes (etc.) on tape
• Hear the information in your mind
• Play instrumental music
Preferred Learning Styles
Kinaesthetic
•
•
•
•
Do actions when learning key facts
Walk about when learning
No need to sit at a desk
Add emotions and textures to
exaggerate information.
• Try to experience what you are learning
Ms Powley Tips
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Write It
Rhyme it
Talk It
Walk It
Hear It
See It
Teach It
Stage 4: Review It
Repetition is everything!
10 minutes later
review for
10 minutes
1 day later
review for
5 minutes
1 week later
review for
2-5 minutes
1 month later
review for
2-5 minutes
Build review points into your plan
Treat your brain like a computer
• Keep your data organised so you can retrieve
information quickly
• Dump anything that you don’t need
• Upgrade your memory