Expert shares last-minute hack for GCSE revision that can help 'boost memory'

11 May 2023 , 11:31
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There are things you can do to boost your memory while revising (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)
There are things you can do to boost your memory while revising (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

With only a few days left until thousands of students complete their GCSE exams, followed by A levels in less than two weeks, many will no doubt be studying hard.

Inevitably, exams can sometimes creep up on you, and you might not always have as long to revise as you'd wish. As a result, you might have to cram in some last-minute revision.

But don't worry, if you've left it a little on the late side to start revision, it doesn't have to end in disaster.

A design expert has revealed a simple hack to help you revise for GCSE or A level exams that will help boost your memory just in time – and almost anyone can do it.

Expert shares last-minute hack for GCSE revision that can help 'boost memory' qhiddzihxirxinvAn expert has shared a simple hack that can help you remember things (stock image) (Getty Images)

When studying for exams it can be tempting to type up tons of notes and hope that you'll take in all the vital information you need.

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However, a much more effective method is writing short notes by hand using different coloured pens to increase your chances of remembering them.

Mads Soegaard, Founder at Interaction Design Foundation, explained: "There's a common misconception that taking down as much information as you can when revising is the best way to learn, and so many students opt for typing up their notes to write more with less effort and save some time.

"However, it's much more effective to write down key points by hand using coloured pens, highlighters and sticky notes, as colour works to boost our memory.

"Writing notes by hand stimulates retention as you're forcing your brain to process the information in a more detailed way than typing. It also forces you to be more selective about what you're writing down - it's about choosing quality over quantity."

Colour is a very powerful tool when it comes to helping improve your memory, but it also works for studying for different reasons.

Mads explained: "As well as boosting our memory, colour also helps to form associations between notes, as when you recall a fact linked to one shade, your brain will naturally start thinking of the other facts that share the same shade.

"You can also use this association to your advantage when it comes to actually sitting your exam. By bringing something that's the same colour as your notes into the exam with you - such as a bracelet or pen - you'll trigger your brain to remember facts in the same shade."

Some colours work better than others, so try sticking to "attention-grabbing shades" such as red, orange and yellow.

The design expert added: "Picking contrasting colours can also help make information stand out more, so you may want to incorporate different sticky notes or highlighters for important points. However, make sure not to overload your notes, as making facts more distinctive is key."

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz

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