Flashcards
Flashcards are small cards with a question on one side and the answer on the other. They work best when you answer from memory before you flip.
Learning Wiki
Study skills
Revision methods that work: active recall, spaced repetition and more.
Around ages 5–11
Primary
Growth mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can improve with practice, good strategies and help. A fixed mindset is the belief that you either have a talent or you don't.
Mind maps
A mind map is a diagram with one main idea in the centre and branches spreading out to related ideas. It helps you organise a topic and see the connections.
Mnemonics
A mnemonic is a memory trick, such as a rhyme, a sentence or a made-up word, that helps you remember facts. For example, ROYGBIV helps you remember the colours of the rainbow.
Around ages 11–16
Secondary
Active recall
Active recall means testing yourself by pulling information out of your memory, instead of rereading it. It is one of the best-supported ways to revise.
Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition means reviewing what you have learned several times with gaps in between, instead of cramming it all at once. The gaps help memories last longer.
Exam technique
Exam technique is the set of skills for answering the paper well on the day, such as reading questions carefully, using marks to plan time and checking your work.
Note-taking
Good notes are short, in your own words and organised so you can test yourself later. Methods like Cornell notes build in questions and a summary.
The Pomodoro technique
The Pomodoro technique is a study method where you work in focused 25-minute blocks, separated by 5-minute breaks. After four blocks, you take a longer break.
Revision timetable
A revision timetable is a plan of what to revise and when. Good ones use short sessions, mix subjects, revisit topics after gaps and leave time for rest.
