Which A-Level Revision Technique Is Best For You?

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the amount of material you need to cover for your A-Levels? It can be tough to figure out the best revision techniques to use, especially with so many options available. But don't worry, in this article we'll be discussing different revision techniques, including some less common methods, and explaining why each one is useful. We'll also provide links to websites that have more details and examples, so you can find the techniques that work best for you.

#1. Cornell Method

The Cornell Method is a traditional note-taking revision technique with a twist and it can be extremely beneficial for revision. The Cornell Method is a note-taking technique that can be extremely beneficial for revision. This method was developed by Dr. Walter Pauk at Cornell University and it is designed to help students organise and summarise information, as well as make connections between different concepts. It is a widely used and effective note-taking method that can help students improve their retention and recall of information.

The Cornell Method involves dividing a sheet of paper into three sections: a main note-taking area, a summary area, and a cue column. The main note-taking area is used to write down information from lessons or readings, while the summary area is used to summarise the main points after the lessons. The cue column is used to write key words or phrases that will jog your memory when you review your notes later. This helps you to recall important information more easily.

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One of the key benefits of the Cornell Method is that it helps you to actively engage with the material you are studying. By summarising information and identifying key words, you are forced to process the information and think critically about it, rather than just passively reading or listening. This active engagement with the material can help to improve your understanding and retention of the information.

Another benefit of the Cornell Method is that it helps to organise your notes in a way that makes it easy to review and study later. The cue column and summary area make it easy to find specific information quickly, which can save you time and make studying more efficient. Additionally, the summary area can help you to identify patterns and connections between different concepts, which can help to deepen your understanding of the material.

Additionally, the Cornell Method can be used in conjunction with other revision techniques, such as flashcards or practice exams, to help you study and retain information even more effectively.

If you want to use handwritten notes, just divide your paper into three different sections as indicated in the picture above. But if you prefer to keep your notes electronically, we highly recommend using Notion. Notion is a note-taking web app which has a specific Cornell notes template. It also allows you to store all of your notes in an organised fashion in different folders with drop-down boxes, and you can even sync your notes between the smartphone app and a computer.

#2. Use a Pomodoro timer

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that can be extremely beneficial for A-Level revision. It was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s and it is based on the idea of breaking work into shorter, focused sessions, separated by short breaks. The technique gets its name from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that Cirillo used when he first started using the method.

The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking your work into 25-minute sessions, called "Pomodoros," followed by a short break. During each Pomodoro, you should focus on one specific task or subject and avoid distractions. After four Pomodoros, you take a longer break, usually 15-20 minutes. This cycle can be repeated as many times as needed.

One of the key benefits of using the Pomodoro Technique for A-Level revision is that it helps to improve focus and concentration. By breaking your work into shorter, focused sessions, you can avoid distractions and stay on task. Additionally, the technique helps to prevent burnout by forcing you to take regular breaks and refocus.

Another benefit of using the Pomodoro Technique for A-Level revision is that it helps to make studying more manageable. By breaking your work into shorter sessions, you can set realistic goals and make progress on your revision without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the technique helps to make studying more efficient by forcing you to focus on one task or subject at a time.

The Pomodoro Technique can be used to study a wide range of subjects, from history to science to literature. It is particularly useful for students who have trouble staying focused or are easily distracted. Additionally, the technique can be used in conjunction with other revision techniques, such as the Cornell Method or flashcards, to help you study and retain information even more effectively.

We recommend using this Pomodoro timer to incorporate this efficiency-boosting technique into your revision!

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#3. Flashcards

Flashcards are a simple yet effective revision technique that can be used to study a wide range of subjects, from vocabulary to historical dates. The basic idea behind flashcards is that you write a question or term on one side of an index card and the answer or definition on the other side. Then, you can quiz yourself by flipping through the cards and trying to recall the answers.

One of the key benefits of using flashcards is that they are great for memorization. The act of physically writing out the information and quizzing yourself on it can help to embed the information in your memory. Additionally, flashcards are portable and easy to use, so you can study anywhere and at any time, whether you're on the bus, in a waiting room, or even just taking a break between classes.

Another benefit of flashcards is that they can be used to study a wide range of subjects. You can create flashcards for vocabulary words, historical dates, formulas, or even specific facts from a book or article. They are also versatile for different types of learners, as you can use them to study by reading or by visualising. You can also use digital flashcard apps like Quizlet, which allows you to create flashcards and even share them with classmates.

It's also worth noting that flashcards are not just for memorization, but also for active recall. The act of trying to recall the information from memory can help to strengthen the connections in your brain and make the information more easily retrievable in the future. Additionally, you can use flashcards to test your understanding of the material by creating them with questions and answers, rather than just terms and definitions.

#4. Active recall

As mentioned above, active recall is a hugely powerful revision technique that involves the process of retrieving information from memory. It is based on the idea that the act of recalling information from memory is key to strengthening the connections in your brain and making the information more easily retrievable in the future.

One of the key benefits of using active recall is that it helps to improve retention and recall of information. The act of trying to recall information from memory forces the brain to engage with the material in a deeper way than simply reading or listening to it. This active engagement with the material can help to embed the information in your memory, making it more easily retrievable in the future.

Another benefit of active recall is that it can be used to test your understanding of the material. By actively trying to recall information from memory, you can identify areas where you have a strong understanding of the material and areas where you need to focus your studying. Additionally, active recall can be used to test yourself at different intervals, to see how well you have retained the information over time.

One effective way to use active recall is to test yourself on information right after you've learned it, and then again at regular intervals to see how well you've retained the information. You can use flashcards, quizzes, or even write a summary of the material to test your understanding and active recall.

#5. Mind maps

Mind maps are a visual tool that can be extremely beneficial for A-Level revision. They are diagrams that show the relationships between different concepts and ideas, and they can be used to organise and understand information. Mind mapping can be done by hand or using mind mapping software, such as MindMup or MindNode.

One of the key benefits of using mind maps for A-Level revision is that they can help to improve understanding and retention of information. Mind maps are a visual representation of information, which can make it easier to understand and remember. Additionally, mind maps help to identify patterns and connections between different concepts, which can help to deepen understanding of the material.

Another benefit of using mind maps for A-Level revision is that they can help to organise information in a way that makes it easy to review and study later. Mind maps can be used to organise notes, summaries, and key points in a visual and intuitive way. This can save time and make studying more efficient. They are particularly useful for students who are visual learners and find it difficult to organise information.

#6. Mnemonics

Mnemonics are memory aids that can be extremely beneficial for A-Level revision. They are techniques that use a combination of letters, words, and/or images to help remember information. Mnemonics can be used to remember anything from vocabulary words to historical dates to formulas.

One of the key benefits of using mnemonics for A-Level revision is that they can help to improve retention and recall of information. Mnemonics are designed to make information more memorable and easier to recall. For example, the mnemonic "Every Good Boy Does Fine" is often used to remember the notes on the lines of a treble clef staff in music, which are E, G, B, D and F.

Another benefit of using mnemonics for A-Level revision is that they can make studying more engaging and fun. Mnemonics can be creative and playful, which can make studying less tedious and more enjoyable.

You can make some mnemonics with your friends, find some online or come up with completely new ones of your own.

#7. Discuss with your friends and family

Practicing and talking about your A-Level revision with friends and family can be an effective way to boost your grades. This is because it allows you to gain different perspectives and feedback on your revision, which can help you to improve your understanding and retention of the material.

One of the key benefits of discussing your A-Level revision with friends and family is that it can help to identify areas where you need more practice. By discussing the material with others, you can gain a better understanding of what you know and what you need to work on. Additionally, your friends and family may have different ways of explaining a concept, which can help you to understand it better.

Another benefit of discussing your A-Level revision with friends and family is that it can help to improve your retention of the material. By talking about the material with others, you are actively engaging with it, which can help to embed the information in your memory. Additionally, by discussing the material with others, you can also get clarification on any areas that you may be struggling with.

Additionally, discussing your A-Level revision with friends and family can also help you to stay motivated and on track. When you share your study goals with others, you are more likely to stick to your study schedule, and you will have someone who can hold you accountable.

#8. Use past papers

Whilst using past papers is a common technique, it is definitely not one to overlook. There are only a limited number of past papers, so it is important to use each one wisely. Try learning content first and revising it with some of the techniques above, then you can tackle the past paper in exam conditions and identify your real strengths and weaknesses without your notes to help you.

One of the key benefits of using past papers for A-Level revision is that they provide a realistic way to prepare for the actual exam. Past papers are created by the same exam boards that create the actual exam, so they provide an accurate representation of the format, style and difficulty of the exam. This can help familiarise you with the format of the exam, and identify areas where you may need more practice.

Another benefit of using past papers for A-Level revision is that they can help you to identify your weaknesses and strengths. By practising with past papers, you can identify areas where they struggle, and focus their revision on these areas to maximise your efficiency – there’s no point focusing all your attention on things which you already know!. Additionally, by practising with past papers, you can identify areas where you excel, and feel more confident in your abilities which will be important going into your exams.

Using past papers can also help you to improve your time management skills. During the exam, you will have a limited amount of time to complete the exam, so practising with past papers can replicate this time pressure and can help you learn how to use your time efficiently. Don’t worry if the first few papers you find you run out of time for many of the question, practice makes perfect and this is why it is so important to replicate exam conditions before you sit the real thing, so you have identified and worked on any weaknesses.

#9. Working with a tutor

Working with a tutor can be highly beneficial for A-Level revision and grades. Tutors are experienced educators who have got top grades in the A-Level subject you are studying and can provide personalised and targeted support. Our hand-selected A-Level tutors can provide guidance and feedback on areas where you may be struggling. They can also provide explanations of difficult concepts in a way that is easy for you to understand as well as providing invaluable advice about how to study for exams, and help you to develop effective study strategies which helped them achieve A* results.

Moreover, a tutor can help you to stay motivated and on track by providing regular check-ins, and helping you to set and achieve realistic goals. This can help you to stay focused and motivated throughout the revision process and achieve those top grades.

Working with an expert online tutor at TutorChase is convenient and flexible. You can schedule sessions at a time that works for you, and you can work from the comfort of your own home.

Have a look at our experienced tutors to see who can help you boost your A-Level revision today!

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are many different revision techniques available, and it's important to find the one that works best for you. Note-taking, flashcards, practice exams and working with tutors are all traditional techniques that can help with retention and organisation. Mind mapping, mnemonics, self-quizzing, and active recall are less common techniques that can also be effective. Try out different techniques and see what works for you. Remember that everyone learns differently, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the method that you're most comfortable with.