Active studying tips for exam success

17th February 2023 by Anita Naik

Active studying is a learning technique that encourages students to engage with the material being studied rather than simply reading it and re-reading it. Studies show that, as opposed to passive methods, this type of learning helps with memory retention and encourages a deeper understanding of the information. Here's what you need to know.

What is the goal of active studying?

The goal of active studying is to help revision stick. By actively engaging with the material, learners can reinforce their understanding and improve their long-term memory and recall. This is why, if it is done correctly, it can help with exam success. It not only enables you to apply the information in the right way but also helps you with subject comprehension and essay writing.

What are active studying approaches?

There are a variety of techniques that work to actively engage your brain with topics and revision material. Methods such as self-quizzing, summarising and repeating the material with a peer, generating questions, and past papers are all a part of active studying.

Is there proof that active studying works?

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that, on average, students used approximately four active strategies to study, and the proportion of their study time spent using strategies positively predicted exam performance. Another study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who actively engaged in revision by generating questions and summarising information performed better on tests that those that just read the material.

What's important, however, is to use a range of active studying techniques and find the ones that suit and work for your style of studying.

What techniques are part of active learning

1. Actively engaging with revision material by summarising, questioning yourself, using past papers and self-quizzing.

2. Strategies for problem-solving. Doing more practice exercises, past papers under time conditions, and quizzes.

3. Active note-taking. Including methods that organise notes into subjects, themes, and knowledge gaps to help reinforce learning.

4. Visualisation and creative techniques, like mind maps, enhance learning and memory retention. Mind mapping tools like MindMeister or Coggle can organise and visualise information, making it easier to understand and retain.

5. A robust revision timetable. One that timetables in space for reviewing and consolidating material regularly to promote long-term retention.

6. Tools and resources that support all of the above, such as flashcards and flashcard tools like Quizlet. Educational apps such as Duolingo and interactive tutorials on YouTube help you practice exercises and play games to support your learning.

7. Productivity tools like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for short intervals with regular breaks, can help you stay focused and productive.

8. Teach someone else. Verbal communication is another way to practice active learning. When you explain an idea to someone, you then realise how much you understand. The other person may also ask questions you haven't considered or need you to find another way to explain things. Even if you don't specifically "teach" someone else, it's still a good idea to have a peer to talk with about what you're learning.