How To Revise

Michele Miller Session

Think back to the revision session in school run by Michele Miller. Michele discussed the following topics with us:

• What is your motivation for revision?
• Revising in blocks of thirty-five minutes
• The difference between short-term and long-term memory
• The role of self-testing
• The role of distributed practice using the Leitner System

Working Memory vs Long Term Memory

Working memory allows people to hold small amounts of information for a short period. It is active in class, but you will forget the information if you don't move it into your long-term memory.  Long-term memory will allow you to remember more content for your exams. The Leitner system will help move your revision into your long-term memory.

Past Papers

• It is very important that you understand the requirements of each exam. Your teachers will guide you in answering the questions.
• Your teachers will provide you with past papers to practice on. You can also download them from sites such as the Physics and Maths Tutor.

• Complete the papers under timed conditions.
• Check the mark schemes.

Step 1 - RAG rate your subject content checklists

• Method 1 - You can RAG rate your progress using the contents page of your revision guides. R, A, G
•  Method 2 - Download your checklists for each subject and save them in your Microsoft OneDrive. You can download the checklists from the GCSE Subject pages. Each checklist allows you to RAG-rate the content based on how well you understand it. You should continue to update your RAG rating lists.
  

Step 2 - Make a revision timetable

• You need to plan your revision, so you have a focus.
• Build in breaks after 35-minute sessions.

Revision timetable

Step 3 - Use your revision guide and copy the sub headings to help organise your notes

• Your revision guides are fantastic at putting the important content in front of you. Copy the subheadings from your revision guide onto your notes. This will help you focus on the important content.

Step 4 - Close you revision guide and write your revision notes using Cornell Note Paper

• It is important to self-test when revising to see what you know.
• Having copied the headings from your revision guide, it is time to close the revision guide and write your initial notes using Cornell Note Paper. Don't worry, you will improve your notes. Cornell Note Paper 

Step 5 - Check your notes using your revision guide and develop them

• Check the notes you have written with the revision guide.
• Correct any mistakes.
• Add in important information you have missed. Keep it short.
• Colour code keywords/ideas.
• Complete the summary at the bottom of the page.
• Date your notes.

 Step 6 - The Leitner System - Turn your notes into flash cards and test yourself 

•  Flashcards are one of the most effective ways to revise because they use active recall and spaced repetition—two techniques proven to improve memory.
• You can use physical flash cards or online systems such as Gizmo or Quizlet.

• Flashcards help you learn by forcing your brain to remember information, not just recognise it.

  • Front of the card → a question, keyword, or prompt
  • Back of the card → the answer
• When you look at the question, try to say the answer out loud before flipping the card. This strengthens memory much more than just reading notes.
  
  How to Make Good Flashcards

  Keep them:

  • Short – one idea per card
  • Clear – no long paragraphs
  • Specific – focus on key facts or concepts

  Good types of flashcards:

  • Definitions (e.g. “What is photosynthesis?”)
  • Processes (e.g. “Steps of the water cycle”)
  • Key facts (dates, formulas, vocabulary)