Revision Time: What Works and What Doesn’t

When it comes to revision time, the focused period of study before an exam or assessment. Also known as exam preparation, it’s not how long you sit at a desk—it’s what you do while you’re there that makes the difference. Many people think cramming for hours is the answer, but research shows that’s one of the least effective ways to learn. Real progress happens when revision time is structured, spaced out, and tied to how your brain actually remembers things.

Study strategies, methods used to absorb, retain, and recall information. Also known as learning techniques, it’s the backbone of good revision. The best ones aren’t flashy. They’re simple: testing yourself instead of rereading, breaking topics into small chunks, and reviewing material over days—not just the night before. These methods work because they match how memory works, not how we wish it worked. And they’re not just for teens. Adult learning, how adults acquire and apply new knowledge. Also known as andragogy, it follows the same rules—practice, relevance, and feedback matter more than age. Whether you’re retaking GCSEs, studying for a professional exam, or helping your child prepare, the science behind effective revision doesn’t change.

Some people learn best by seeing—visual aids like mind maps stick. Others need to talk it out, or write it down. That’s where learning styles, personal preferences for how information is received and processed. Also known as VARK model, they help you pick the right tools. If you’ve ever felt like you’re studying hard but not getting anywhere, it might not be effort—it’s mismatched methods. Knowing whether you’re a doer, a thinker, a watcher, or a feeler can turn wasted hours into productive ones.

Revision time isn’t magic. It’s a skill. And like any skill, it gets better with the right tools and habits. Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there—whether it’s how to handle exam stress, what to do when you’re stuck on a topic, or how to make flashcards that actually stick. No fluff. No myths. Just what works.