Master maths: ten revision tips you need to know - Part 1 of 2

Revising course material is a vital component of effective learning. It plays a crucial role in reinforcing core concepts, ensuring they are thoroughly understood. Structured revision also enhances retention and recall, making it invaluable for exam preparation and real-world application. It provides an opportunity for both students and coaches to track progress and adjust the pace or focus as needed, fostering a more personalised learning experience. Moreover, regular revision reduces reliance on last-minute cramming, promoting better preparation and greater confidence during assessments.

Despite its undeniable importance, revision remains an often overlooked aspect of traditional classroom practices. In this two-part series, I’ll share 10 essential revision strategies to help you systematically review and reinforce material, improve retention, and set yourself up for success — not just in exams, but in more advanced courses down the line.

Part 1 focuses on the first five strategies designed to elevate your revision routine and make your study sessions more effective. Ready to supercharge your learning? Let’s dive in!

Smarter revision: short, frequent, and focused

Research shows that shorter, more frequent revision sessions are far more effective for retention than long, infrequent ones. Instead of cramming before exams, aim to review material regularly throughout the academic year. Whether you choose to revise for 15 to 30 minutes every day or every other day, or prefer a weekly schedule with one or two-hour sessions, the key is consistency.

For longer sessions, consider using the Pomodoro technique — study in focused 25-minute intervals followed by a brief break. This approach helps maintain mental clarity and prevents burnout, especially when tackling complex topics.

Avoid vague revision goals, such as “revise calculus.” Instead, set specific, measurable targets like “complete 10 problems on derivatives” or “review key integration techniques.” By breaking down larger topics into smaller, manageable sections, you can focus on one chunk at a time. For example, when studying algebra, dedicate one session to simplifying expressions and another to solving equations. This approach keeps your sessions focused, helps you track progress, and prevents feelings of overwhelm.

Incorporate retrieval practice

One common pitfall for students is passively reviewing course material, such as simply re-reading notes or formulas. A more effective approach is to engage in retrieval practice — a proven learning strategy that involves actively recalling information from memory. This method not only enhances retention but also deepens your understanding of the material and helps to make recall faster and easier under test conditions. So, challenge yourself to recall key concepts or solve problems without looking at your notes — you’ll be surprised at how much more you remember!

This method often incorporates external cues, such as multiple-choice quizzes or practice tests, which are particularly effective for recalling formulas and theorems. Another versatile tool is flashcards, which can support learning across a wide range of topics — from fundamental concepts like multiplication tables in elementary mathematics to advanced topics such as standard derivatives and integrals.

Practice active recall

Active recall is a highly effective form of retrieval practice that enhances memory by minimising reliance on external aids. This technique focuses on strengthening retention by challenging you to recall information with little to no cues, closely simulating exam conditions.

For example, instead of reviewing your textbook, try writing down everything you can remember about a topic from memory, then check for accuracy. This rigorous approach not only solidifies your knowledge but also builds confidence in applying it independently.

The power of diverse problem practice

A key to effective revision is practising a variety of problem types within each topic. This strategy prepares you to tackle the diverse question styles often seen in exams and ensures you’re not caught off guard.

For instance, if you’re studying calculus, challenge yourself with a mix of conceptual problems that test your understanding of key ideas, as well as calculation-heavy exercises that build your technical skills.

By exposing yourself to different formats, you’ll develop the flexibility and confidence needed to adapt to any question that comes your way.

Teach to learn

A strong test of your understanding is whether you can explain a topic in your own words. If you find this challenging, it’s a sign that your grasp of the material may not be as solid as you think. Teaching is an excellent way to refine your understanding, as it forces you to organise your thoughts, clarify concepts, and pinpoint gaps in your knowledge.

To apply this strategy, try explaining a topic to a study partner as if you’re the teacher. For example, if you’re reviewing calculus, explain the concept of derivatives by breaking it down step-by-step and relating it to a real-world example, like how speed changes over time. If a study partner isn’t available, pretend you’re teaching an imaginary student or record yourself giving the explanation. The process will help solidify your knowledge and uncover areas that need further review.

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Continue reading: Master maths: ten revision tips you need to know - Part 2 of 2