Exam Prep 101 with Professor Gaby Badre

1. Space out revision sessions:

If you gradually increase the time intervals between revision sessions on a particular topic, you build long-term retention. This is best done days or weeks apart, such as 1, 3 and 7 days after learning. You can also use tools, like packs of flashcards that you revisit, or apps that use an algorithm to space out topics for you, so you don’t have to (look at Anki, for example, which is free to use).

2. Testing is best:

Active recall is the practise of retrieving information from your memory which strengthens the neural connections, ultimately making it easier to remember the next time. Simulating exam conditions through timed quizzes and reproducing material from memory without checking notes will all help with this.

3. Variety is key:

Alternate between different topics or types of problems within a single revision session. This approach encourages more flexible learning and better problem-solving skills. Be sure to integrate new content with previously studied material too!

4. Join the dots:

Connecting new material to something you already know will promote deeper understanding and better recall. You can do this by asking yourself a ‘why’ or a ‘how’ question, or creating analogies and real-world examples.

5. A picture tells a thousand words:

Presenting information in both verbal and visual formats will help your memory. Incorporate diagrams, flowcharts and mind/concept maps into revision notes and use colour-coded notes and different spatial layouts to aid memory.

1. A learning environment:

A quiet, organised and well-lit space promotes sustained attention and better retention. Try to eliminate digital and environment distractions and minimise noise. Alternating between solo study and collaborative sessions and taking structure breaks will also make a difference!

2. Don’t scrimp on sleep:

Sleep is critical for memory consolidation, and stress can impair attention to detail and recall. Try to establish and maintain a consistent sleep schedule (7-8 hours), with a sleep-enhancing regime before bed by limiting screen time, practising mindfulness, breathing exercises or other techniques and avoiding stimulants and late-night studying.

3. Get moving:

20- 30 minutes of physical activity before study sessions increases blood flow to the brain and enhances neural plasticity. Try to incorporate short physical breaks throughout the day, and maintain a consistent routine during exam periods

4. Nutrition and hydration:

Brain performance and nutritional intake and hydration are closely linked. Mare sure you drink water consistently throughout study sessions and seek out omega-3-righ foods, antioxidants and vitamins. Caffeine, excessive sugar, heavy meals and alcohol around bedtime are all to be avoided.

1. Test anxiety & acute stress:

Some people find that test anxiety and bouts of acute stress can interfere with performance during high-pressure situations. To combat this and maintain focus, mindfulness practises and deep breathing exercises (which you can find here - Link to stress relieving breathwork blog) are recommended. Establishing calming pre-exam routines and positive self-talk can also be great tools!

2. Familiarity with test conditions:

Practice tests under realistic conditions can strength your recall and reveal knowledge gaps, it has the added benefit of increasing familiarity with exam conditions and reducing performance anxiety. Use a timer to mimic real exam conditions.

3. Structured breaks:

Incorporating regular rest periods enhances productivity and memory retention. The Pomodoro technique is 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break and has been shown to maintain concentration and prevent mental fatigue. Be sure to step away from screens and use breaks for physical activity or relaxation

4. What works for you:

Try to identify the best way for your brain to retain information (visual diagrams, auditory podcasts, etc.) through tracking your performance, adjusting your study techniques where you see best results.

5. What to avoid:

Cramming sessions can be effective in the short term but detrimental to long-term retention. Passive highlighting or annotation is not engaging enough for retention and multitasking reduces focus and learning efficiency.

6. Mental stimulation:

Engaging in creative hobbies or solving puzzles or logic games while you’re not studying can support cognitive flexibility and enhance memory.