Mar 4, 2025
As we approach examination season, I know many parents are wondering how best to support their child’s preparation. It’s natural to feel the urge to remind, encourage, and even monitor their study habits. However, what makes a real difference is helping your child develop independent, effective study strategies—ones backed by evidence to boost memory and confidence. Let’s explore some science-backed techniques and practical tips that can make studying both manageable and impactful for students.
Understanding Memory and Retention
One of the key factors in successful studying is understanding how memory works. Research by Hermann Ebbinghaus reveals that without review, we forget nearly 50% of newly learned information within an hour and up to 90% within a week! This might sound daunting, but it also shows how valuable regular revision can be. A structured approach, such as spaced repetition, helps counteract this “forgetting curve” and reinforces long-term retention. The basic plan is simple:
- Daily Review: Encourage your child to recap new material the same day.
- Weekly Check-In: Have a quick review session over the weekend.
- Unit Recaps: Every 4-6 weeks, revisit main topics to ensure information sticks
With this approach, preparing for exams feels like a natural extension of ongoing learning, making the exam period less stressful.
Active Learning Techniques
Active learning is a powerful way to engage with material. Instead of passively reading notes, encourage techniques that require active recall, which strengthens memory retention and understanding. One highly effective strategy is peer tutoring. According to educational researcher John Hattie, peer tutoring has a high impact on student achievement, with an effect size of 0.55. This means that explaining concepts to peers can significantly enhance understanding and retention.
- Flashcards: Tools like Quizlet.com offer a fun way for students to test themselves.
- Summarization: Challenge your child to write summaries from memory to reinforce understanding.
- Teaching Others: Nothing solidifies learning like explaining it to someone else, whether a peer or family member. This approach, known as peer tutoring, has been shown to significantly enhance understanding.
Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Incorporating mnemonics can make studying more memorable and enjoyable. Here are three fun examples:
- MRS GREN: This acronym helps students recall the seven characteristics of living organisms.
- Acrostic for Reactivity Series: “Please Stop Calling Me A Cute Zebra…” – a quirky way to remember the order of metal reactivity.
- Rhymes and jingles: Using a familiar tune to remember complex formulas, like the quadratic formula, makes recalling during exams more accessible and fun.
Watch this video for more tips.
Building Productive Study Habits
For effective studying, environment and routine matter. Here are some essentials:
- Consistent Schedule: A regular study time each day builds a habit and ensures that studying becomes part of their routine.
- Chunking Study Time: Breaking study periods into shorter blocks with breaks in between keeps focus sharp.
- Aligning Study Sessions with Energy Peaks: Studies show that intensive study sessions are most effective when done at peak focus times, which often follow physical activity.
Encourage your child to incorporate techniques like Cornell Notes or mind mapping, which help break down complex topics and show relationships between ideas.
The Role of Past Papers
Past papers provide invaluable insight into exam patterns and question types. Working through them allows students to familiarize themselves with the format and identify areas they may need to focus on. Reviewing these with a time limit can also help build exam stamina.
Prioritizing Well-being
Finally, well-being should never be overlooked. A healthy routine—including balanced nutrition, sleep, and physical activity—is foundational for effective studying. In moments of exam anxiety, calming exercises like deep breathing or visualization can help your child manage stress, maintaining a clear and focused mind.
Useful Websites for Revision
The internet offers a wealth of resources that can make revision both engaging and effective. Here are a few tried-and-tested platforms:
- SaveMyExams.co.uk: A fantastic resource with revision notes, practice questions, and model answers tailored to many GCSE and A-Level subjects. SaveMyExams also offers exam-style papers that help students practice effectively.
- Quizlet.com: A popular tool for flashcards and interactive quizzes. Students can create their own flashcards or use existing sets on various topics.
- BBC Bitesize: This site provides comprehensive, curriculum-aligned resources for a wide range of subjects. Interactive videos, quizzes, and summaries help reinforce learning in a fun and accessible way.
- Seneca Learning: With adaptive quizzes and progress tracking, Seneca offers an engaging way for students to learn and test themselves, especially on science, math, and English topics.
Encourage your child to explore these sites to find which format and style suit their learning preferences best. These resources can supplement classroom learning, making exam preparation more dynamic and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Your encouragement plays a huge role. Expressing confidence in your child’s abilities can be the most reassuring support they receive. With the right techniques, exam preparation becomes less of a sprint and more of a steady journey toward mastery and confidence.
Let’s work together to make this exam season one of growth and accomplishment for every student!