Introduction

Hi there! It can be tough to navigate your way through your final years of school, and SnapRevise is here to help you as much as we possibly can. We want to help you get the marks you want, which is why we’ve put together this article featuring 7 top study techniques from past high-achievers.

Of course, it’s important to note that everybody has a different journey, and different study techniques work for different people. Even if a specific study technique worked for somebody you know who scored really highly, that doesn’t mean it will - or should - work for you, and the opposite is also true.

The main idea is to try new things and experiment in order to find the most effective study techniques for you. The earlier you make those discoveries, the easier the road ahead of you will become.

This article is just one free resource, but there are thousands of free SnapRevise resources available to you, including cheatsheets, notes, articles, and videos. Check out our website at snaprevise.co.uk to get started - we can’t wait to share this journey with you

Tip 1: Study Techniques

Don’t be afraid to go outside the status quo!

In the introduction, we encouraged experimentation - and that’s exactly what this first tip is centred on. Consider spending some time working out your most effective study methods as an investment. Trying new study techniques now can result in more effective study later, ultimately saving time and effort.

In all likelihood, you will study in different ways for different subjects. Your study techniques might even differ on things like the specific content you’re working on, your mood, or what people are doing around you. There are very many factors at play but, luckily, there are also very many potential study techniques - and they don’t need to be boring!

Here are just a few study techniques you might like to try out. Again, there is really no limit - use your imagination!

If you’re struggling to commit a definition or concept to memory, sitting down and trying to rote learn might not be the most effective strategy. Why not use a whiteboard or post-it notes to remind yourself of the content? Put the reminders in prominent places in your house - like the bathroom - and test yourself each time you see them.
Assuming you start studying early, it’s not a race - understanding content long term is the ultimate aim.

• Drawing, art, and mind maps

We’re all different types of learners, and some of us are a lot more visual. Many students have found great success from relying heavily on diagrams and other drawings, which can prompt other information in your mind for effective recall.

• Songs and poems

Alternatively, perhaps you’re more of an auditory learner. Putting information into songs or adding a beat can provide information retrieval cues. This can be particularly helpful if you’re trying to learn lists of content!

• Content recordings

You could even go as far as recording yourself explain the content, whether that be in song form or otherwise. This means you can later listen to the recordings for light revision.

• Present to somebody - or to nobody

If recording yourself isn’t your thing, why not present to somebody else live? Try to teach a family member, friend, or classmate. If you can effectively explain the information you’re studying, you’ve probably got a decent understanding of it! If there’s nobody around to explain to, you can always explain it to yourself in the mirror!

• Mnemonics

A common study strategy, mnemonics can be used as memory devices. There are lots to choose from - look up “study mnemonics”!

• Summaries

If you feel like writing, creating chapter summaries might be the way to go. Grab a textbook or study guide, and try to summarise a chapter in one page. Then, try to summarise your summarise. Then summarise the summary again. Eventually, you will be left with a very concise overview of the chapter - but you really have to think about the content through the process.

• Apply content to your life

Remembering content or concepts can be a lot easier if you have a reason to remember it. Try to take concepts or new knowledge and apply it to parts of your life - this should help encode the content in memory.