Revise Revising: Active Recall
We’ve all been there. Staring into the abyss of an A-level revision guide, reading through reams of beautifully highlighted notes, and gazing out the window in hope of some divine inspiration hitting. And yet, nothing goes in.
However, there is an alternative. As part of our new ‘Revise Revising’ series, this article introduces the method of active recall, as an antidote to the often-passive revising methods students become accustomed to at school.
What is active recall?
Put simply, active recall is the method of constantly testing yourself. Instead of wasting time reading, writing, and highlighting extensive notes, it is a more effective use of time to write questions for yourself, and then spend your time testing yourself on those questions. Whilst the prospect of constantly testing yourself can be daunting and uncomfortable, this is an essential part of learning. Only through testing yourself can you identify gaps in your knowledge of a subject. You can then focus your energy on plugging these gaps and spend less time revising the content you already know. What’s more, the very act of scanning your brain to retrieve the relevant information to answer a question, helps to imbed that information in your long-term memory. Thereby avoiding the nightmare scenario of a mind-blank on exam day.
What’s the evidence?
There is a great deal of evidence to support the effectiveness of the active recall method. As early as 1939, a study conducted by Herbert Spitzer reported a 15% increase in the test scores of participants who had done a practice test as part of their revision. This is further supported by more recent studies in the field of education. In 2010 an Andrew Butler study indicated participants who had done practice tests saw test scores improve by as much as 30%. The writing is clearly on the wall, to get that A* test, test, test yourself.
What are the steps to implement active recall into my study routine?
Understand
To commit content to memory, it is essential you understand that content. However, this is easier said than done. At the OTC we have cultivated an elite team of Oxbridge tutors adept at explaining the complexities of everything from irregular French verbs to Computer programming. Book your free video consultation today to understand how we can help you understand even the most challenging material from GCSE, right the way through to degree level.
2. Devise your questions
Choosing the questions to test yourself on is often a stumbling block for students attempting to implement active recall into their revision. To best target your learning it is imperative you consult past papers. These will guide you to understand what expertise examiners are looking for, and in term, what content you need to commit to memory. At the OTC we recommend you input your bank of questions into Quizlet, Anki or Notion.
3. Test & Repeat
The key to active recall is of course, testing and repetition. Simply testing yourself on all the content the night before the exam with no prior active recall sessions is an ill-advised strategy. At the OTC we recommend answering your active recall questions daily, highlighting those you struggle with, and focussing on those in subsequent revision sessions.
If in need of further convincing to adopt this unparalleled study hack, please watch this video by doctor, Study-Tuber, and fellow Oxbridge alum Ali Abdaal. In which, he shares anecdotal experience of the study success active recall brings.