Are revision notes helpful?
There's much debate about the best way to revise, with an emphasis on active revision techniques. Yet note-taking remains one of the most popular ways for students to revise. We examine whether the method is beneficial and how it works for your child.
There is an idea that revision note-taking is a shortcut or a less rigorous way of studying compared to other methods. Yet note-taking remains popular and works for many students. This is partly due to the various strategies involved in effective note-taking and the benefits of summarising, synthesising, and organising information concisely.
In reality, revision note-taking is a valuable and widely used study technique that can significantly aid in understanding, retaining, and recalling information. It's important for individuals to recognise the diversity of learning styles and preferences and to embrace study methods that work best for them.
Revision notes help organise and structure information. By summarising key points and concepts, students can condense large amounts of information into easily digestible chunks.
Note-taking also works because creating revision notes requires a student to engage with the material actively. This process helps reinforce understanding of the subject matter by condensing it into their own words and thoughts. Writing down information also helps commit it to memory. Then, when students review notes multiple times, they reinforce the connections, making it easier to recall the information later.
This process also helps students distinguish between what's crucial and what's secondary, allowing them to focus on the most relevant information. This then provides a quick reference to key concepts, theories, and formulas, allowing them to review the material efficiently.
Finally, revision notes can also serve as a progress tracker. By reviewing notes periodically, students can assess how much has been covered and identify areas that require further attention and review.
How to improve revision note-taking
Improving note-taking skills for revision can enhance understanding of the material and make study sessions more effective.
Stay focused on the goal: To help ensure your child is focused on capturing key concepts, main ideas, and essential details rather than trying to transcribe everything word for word.
Prioritise information that is central to understanding the topic. Students should engage with the material actively as they read or review it, highlight important points, and make connections between different concepts.
Notes should also be structured. Use formats such as bullet points, headings, or outlines. Organising notes logically makes reviewing them more accessible and helps students see the relationships between ideas.
Work on summarising. Instead of copying text verbatim, rephrase the information as this method requires students to process the material and understand it at a deeper level, making it more likely that they'll remember it later.
Schedule regular review sessions. Revisit notes and reinforce an understanding of the material. Make revisions to the notes as needed to clarify unclear points or add new information.
Seek clarification. If your child encounters concepts or information they don't understand, seek clarification from a teacher or additional resources.
Reflect on notes. Take some time to reflect on notes after each study session. Ask yourself what you've learned, what questions you still have, and how the information fits into the broader context of the course or subject.
Further reading
Best optimal learning strategies for students