Revision, Retention and Retrieval - Learning Strategies

Sep 30, 2026

Revision, retention, and retrieval outlines core learning strategies for moving knowledge into long-term memory. It defines revision and retrieval practice, linking retrieval to active recall and emphasizing limits of working memory. Spacing is presented as a way to avoid cramming, using chunking and timed revisits through a timetable. Guidance covers passive versus active revision, examples of retrieval methods like quizzes, flashcards, and past papers, and stresses practicing without notes followed by checking. Dual coding and knowledge organisers support chunking with diagrams and single-page key information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

What is revision?

What is retrieval practice?

Working Memory

Spacing

Active vs passive revision

Active revision: retrieval practice

Dual coding

Knowledge organisers

Revision, Retention and Retrieval What is revision? Revision is a learning strategy where pupils focus on encoding knowledge into their memory or getting information in. What is retrieval practice? Retrieval practice is a learning strategy where we focus on getting information out. Working Memory • Almost all information is lost after 30 seconds • A limited amount of information can be stored • Capacity can be limited by: – Distraction – Trying to store too much information – Demanding tasks However, the long-term memory is potentially limitless… How do we get knowledge into the long-term memory? Spacing This means that you shouldn’t ‘cram’ before an exam! The best way to ensure that your revision is purposeful is to: 1. Chunk it down to smaller units 2. Revise a chunk in detail (40 minutes) 3. Revisit the learning after a short gap for a shorter amount of time The best way to ensure you space out your revision is to create a timetable so you can allocate where you will revise each chunk and where you will revisit the learning over time. Be active in your revision! Passive Revision: Re-read notes Highlight information Read through revision guide Write revision cards Active Revision-Retrieval Practice In a nutshell: Students retrieve previously taught information from the long term memory This might include: • Quizzes • Tests • Creating or completing concept maps • Students writing everything they can remember about a topic (free recall) • Using flashcards to self test • Completing exam past papers Retrieval practice should always be carried out without access to notes or previous work. It should be followed by an opportunity to for students to check whether they correctly recalled the information. Dual Coding Use complementary symbols or pictures to explain information or concepts • Breaking down a process into a diagram or flow chart • Students creating revision notes with symbols beside important or difficult words • Students using images or symbols to test their learning Knowledge organisers These are a great way to chunk the information for a unit. They include all the key information about a unit of work on one page.

FAQs

What is revision and why does it matter for memory?

Revision is a learning strategy where pupils focus on encoding knowledge into memory. Its goal is to strengthen how information is stored for later use.

What is retrieval practice and what must students do during it?

Retrieval practice focuses on getting information out from long-term memory. It should be carried out without access to notes or previous work, followed by an opportunity to check correct recall.

How does spacing improve revision compared with cramming?

Spacing means revisiting learning after a short gap rather than cramming before an exam. Creating a timetable helps allocate each chunk for detailed revision and later revisits over time.

Sep 30, 2026

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