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5 Step Study Plan

​Timetable a spaced schedule

Look back at the notes about spacing and interleaving. Study each topic little and often and mix up subjects and topics so you are revising a mixture each day.

Make a list

What do you need to know? Break it down into topics and units. When you can retrieve it without effort, cross it off the list. It might help with motivation and organisation to have a ‘to do’ and ‘have done’ list.

Use effective study strategies

That’s what this booklet is all about. Keep re-reading and highlighting to a minimum. Highlight what you need to learn –but that won’t make you learn it.

Test yourself, using retrieval strategies. Think twice before loading up your favourite playlist!

Identify the gaps in your knowledge

Having used the retrieval strategies, where are the gaps? What are you confident with? What do you need to go back to? What do you need to study more? Be honest with yourself –don’t just focus on what you do know.

Close the gaps

Repeat the third and fourth steps of the plan until you are confident with everything. Some parts will be difficult, but don’t give up. The harder you have to think, the more likely you are to remember in the end. ‘Memory is the residue of thought.’ (Dan Willingham)