Whether you\u2019re taking in-person or online exams, your memory has a big part to play in your success. Here are six research-informed ways to revise smarter this exam season.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
When it comes to revision, it\u2019s effort that gets results \u2013 providing that effort is of the right kind.<\/p>\n
In their book Make It Stick<\/em>, Brown, Roediger and McDaniel stress the importance of retrieval \u2013 actively and repeatedly testing ourselves. The more times we retrieve a piece of information from memory, the stronger the neural pathway becomes and the more likely we are to hold on to that information until exam day and beyond.<\/p>\n Re-reading, highlighting and copying lecture notes will only get you so far. Your time will be better spent doing timed practice with past papers, making flashcards, reducing your notes to trigger words and actively recalling what you\u2019ve learnt. Retrieval lends itself well to group study, too, so why not get together with some coursemates and test each other?<\/p>\n The more intensively you study a single topic the better, right? Well, apparently not. Two more important concepts discussed in Make It Stick<\/em> are \u2018spaced practice\u2019 and \u2018interleaving\u2019.<\/p>\n Spaced practice involves studying a topic for a limited amount of time and returning to it at intervals. Interleaved practice means alternating two or more topics \u2013 and for university exams, it\u2019s going to be more than two!<\/p>\n You might worry about forgetting what you\u2019ve learnt between study sessions, but that\u2019s the point. It\u2019s the effort of retrieving information just as it\u2019s starting to fade that strengthens those neural connections and helps secure it in your memory for the long term.<\/p>\n Try memorising the following sequence:<\/p>\n 321NASA789BBC444ROFL<\/p>\n If you treat it as a string of 20 unconnected characters, it\u2019s a daunting task.<\/p>\n But it becomes much easier when you group the characters into six meaningful chunks:<\/p>\n 321\u00a0\u00a0 NASA\u00a0\u00a0 789\u00a0\u00a0 BBC\u00a0\u00a0 444\u00a0\u00a0 ROFL<\/p>\n You may be familiar with Miller\u2019s (1956) concept of the \u2018Magic number seven (plus or minus two)\u2019 \u2013 the idea that our working memory capacity is limited to between five and nine \u2018chunks\u2019 of information. While debates about this are ongoing, the basic principle is very useful for revision: to memorise complex information, look for patterns and break it down into meaningful units.<\/p>\n All learning starts with what we already know, and the more ways we can connect a concept to our existing knowledge and experience, the better established it becomes in our memory.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t think of revision as learning isolated \u2018facts\u2019. Instead, make links between concepts, think of examples, applications and analogies, generate critical questions (\u2018How?\u2019 \u2018Why?\u2019 \u2018So what?\u2019), create stories, songs and mnemonics, draw pictures and mind maps \u2026 and the list goes on.<\/p>\n Elaboration isn\u2019t just a good way of creating new memory pathways; it\u2019s also crucial preparation for producing critical exam answers and securing those top grades. It makes revision more creative and enjoyable, too.<\/p>\n A favourite technique of magicians and classical orators, this is also known as the \u2018method of loci\u2019.<\/p>\n First, you visualise a familiar place (for instance, the Student\u2019s Union) or route (say, the U1 bus journey up Bathwick Hill). Then you connect various points in the place or along the route with specific pieces of information.<\/p>\n Picture that place or route during the exam and you should find that the information comes readily to mind as well.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t underestimate the importance of this one \u2013 and it\u2019s an easy win!<\/p>\n As Dr Matthew Walker explains in Why We Sleep<\/em>, when our brain absorbs new information, this is stored temporarily in the hippocampus. But the hippocampus can only store so much before its capacity is maxed out. As we sleep, information is transferred to long-term storage in the cortex. When we wake up, the hippocampus is cleared out and ready to be filled back up again!<\/p>\n Finding out what makes your learning stick is a fascinating process and useful not just during exam season but throughout your life. So, this revision period, experiment with some different techniques and see what works!<\/p>\n Got a useful revision tip to share? Post a comment below.<\/p>\n Brown, C., Roediger, H. and McDaniel, M., 2014. Make it stick.<\/em> Cambridge, Mass.: The Belknap Press\/Harvard University Press.<\/p>\n Doyle, T. and Zakrajsek, T., 2019. The new science of learning: how to learn in harmony with your brain. <\/em>2nd ed. Sterling, Va.: Stylus.<\/p>\n Walker, M., 2017. Why we sleep.<\/em> London: Allen Lane\/Penguin Random House.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whether you\u2019re taking in-person or online exams, your memory has a big part to play in your success. Here are six research-informed ways to revise smarter this exam season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1636,"featured_media":786,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[91,9],"tags":[196,195],"class_list":["post-785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-skills","category-exams","tag-retaining-information","tag-revision-techniques"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/04\/Brain-neural-pathways.png","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1392,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2025\/01\/06\/preparing-for-in-person-exams-part-1-revision\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":0},"title":"Preparing For In-Person Exams Part 1: Revision","author":"Kyra Ings","date":"January 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s normal to feel nervous about in-person exams, but the right approach to revision can go a long way towards helping you feel more confident. 1: Gather all the necessary information Anxiety often arises from uncertainty, so before you get started, make sure you have all the practical information you\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Illustrated image of a desk with a lamp, calendar, laptop and note paper","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":93,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2020\/12\/02\/top-ten-tips-for-exam-preparation\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":1},"title":"Top 10 tips for exam preparation","author":"Kevin Renfrew","date":"December 2, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Whatever type of exam you'll be sitting this exam period, here are some general top 10 tips from former Academic Skills Course Leader Tom Reid on how to improve your exam scores. 1. Attend revision sessions Revision lectures and workshops are designed to help you focus on key content from\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Student sitting an in-person exam in an exam room.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/exam-800x450-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/exam-800x450-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/exam-800x450-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/exam-800x450-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1409,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2025\/01\/09\/preparing-for-in-person-exams-part-4-on-the-day\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":2},"title":"Preparing for In-Person Exams Part 4: On The Day","author":"Kyra Ings","date":"January 9, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"What you do just before an exam can make a big difference to your performance and your confidence. Here are our tips for staying positive on exam days and ensuring that everything goes smoothly. https:\/\/vimeo.com\/810532463 1: Know when to stop revising\u00a0 The evening before your exam, give yourself some time\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Illustration of a desk with a lamp, calendar, laptop and notebook","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2024\/12\/Preparing-for-In-Person-Exams-3.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":806,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2022\/05\/04\/my-tips-for-exam-preparation\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":3},"title":"My tips for exam preparation","author":"Erifyli Vologianni","date":"May 4, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Hi, I\u2019m Erifyli. I\u2019m a final year International Management student and Skills Co-Creator. Here are some of my personal tips that will help you to organise and revise efficiently for the upcoming exam period. Exam period. \"That time of the year\" is approaching. People are setting revision schedules, libraries are\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Exams"","block_context":{"text":"Exams","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/exams\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Lines of desks and chairs in an exam hall at university.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/05\/FH-exams-2-small.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":371,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2020\/12\/02\/top-tips-for-taking-open-book-exams-1-preparation\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":4},"title":"Top tips for taking open book exams 1 - preparation","author":"Kerry Vevers","date":"December 2, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"During the exam period, you may be asked to take a home-based online open book exam. Open book exams allow you to consult external sources such as textbooks and your own notes during the exam time. Here are some tips from former Academic Skills Course Leader Tom Reid to help\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Student taking an online open book exam","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2020\/12\/online-exam.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":948,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/2022\/12\/14\/the-night-before-christmas\/","url_meta":{"origin":785,"position":5},"title":"The night before Christmas","author":"Kerry Vevers","date":"December 14, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"St Nick offers some words of wisdom ahead of the exam period in the Skills Centre's 2022 seasonal message. https:\/\/vimeo.com\/779691899 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... Students were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Academic skills"","block_context":{"text":"Academic skills","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/category\/academic-skills\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Still from video displaying the words: 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...'. There's an illustration of a sleeping mouse.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/84\/2022\/12\/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-800x450-1.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1636"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=785"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/academic-and-employability-skills\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}2. Space it out and mix it up<\/h2>\n
3. Break it down into chunks<\/h2>\n
4. Expand and elaborate<\/h2>\n
5. Create a \u2018mind palace\u2019<\/h2>\n
6. Sleep\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Further reading<\/h3>\n