10 common study and revision mistakes and how to avoid them

15th March 2023 by Anita Naik

Many students make the same mistakes when studying, whether it's not managing their time well, not taking breaks, or only playing to their strengths. Here's how to avoid the top 10 mistakes and improve your exam performance.

Not actively engaging your brain as you study

You may be studying, revising and doing homework on time, but do you think while you do all this? Re-reading and note-taking can become passive if you don't engage with what you are doing. To help yourself, try quizzing or summarising key points without looking at your notes. Also, use active recall, which involves retrieving information from memory without external cues. Doing this can be an effective way to reinforce learning and improve retention.

Procrastination

Students who don't prioritise their tasks tend to struggle with workload. To avoid this, start by setting clear, achievable goals to help you stay focused and motivated. Break your goals down into smaller, manageable tasks and set deadlines. Doing this works as larger tasks can be overwhelming, making procrastinating easier.

Trying to study everything

Trying to study everything rather than focusing on what is important is a crucial mistake many students make. Not only is trying to study everything overwhelming, but it can result in a lack of focus and attention to important topics. Studying everything may not be relevant to the exam specification, so be sure to look at what needs to be studied and view past papers to see where the priority for studying should lie.

Only note-taking for revision

Note-taking for revision is a good technique, but only if you do it correctly. This is because when you take notes, you actively engage with the material, which helps you to understand and remember it better. It also makes it easier to review and recall later. However, it is important to note that there are different note-taking methods, and some may work better for you than others. Experiment with varying approaches, such as bullet points, mind maps, or Cornell notes, to find the best method for you.

Lack of organisation

Disorganisation can lead to missed assignments, lost notes, and difficulty with revision. To avoid this, use a planner, digital app, or calendar to keep track of assignments and add deadlines. Also, work on keeping your notes and study materials in one place.

Not tackling your weak areas

Weak areas need to be tackled to help improve your overall performance and achieve better results. Working to identify and work on weak areas enables you to address knowledge gaps. It can strengthen your understanding of the material, making you more likely to achieve higher grades. This can be particularly important in exams or assessments, where a good understanding of your weaker areas can make a significant difference.

Not asking for help

Not seeking help when struggling with a concept or assignment can lead to falling behind in class and lower exam grades. To avoid this, contact teachers, tutors, or classmates for help when needed.

Lack of focus

It is easy to become distracted during class or while studying. This can lead to missed information or incomplete assignments. To avoid this, limit distractions (such as turning off their phone) and take frequent breaks to stay focused.

Poor note-taking

Poor note-taking notes during lectures or while reading. This can make it difficult when it comes to revising. To avoid this, use a consistent note-taking system, such as bullet points or outlining, and review your notes after every lesson to ensure you haven't missed any key areas.

Lack of self-care

Neglecting your physical and mental health while focusing on schoolwork is a key mistake many students make. Doing this can lead to burnout, anxiety and difficulty concentrating. To avoid this, make time for self-care, exercise, and healthy eating, and talk to parents and teachers about your worries and feelings.