STRATEGIES FOR RECALLING CONTENT

The difference between homework and study

Homework and study are not the same thing. Homework tasks complement content covered in class, whilst study is the revision of that knowledge and understanding. Sometimes teachers will set study as homework, however it is also important that students are completing their own tasks.

In order to remember more, find ways that involve more parts of the brain. Reading, writing, and rewriting are helpful revision tools, but incorporating listening, talking and discussion, teaching others and questioning (including exam-style) will increase effectiveness much more.

Getting the most out of class

Prepare BEFORE class: Read the textbook and pre-prepared teacher content. Your engagement and understanding will be higher. Note the main points and highlight key terms.
Be present DURING class. Apply your knowledge.
Summarise, reflect and revise AFTER class. Seek clarification for any misunderstandings.

Reviewing and revising content

This is important for assessment tasks and exams. To save valuable time towards the end of the unit and year, students should continually review content. This includes after 24 hours, one week and one month of learning new subject matter.

Making Notes

Notes can be made from scratch, however good starting points can be found at school. Many teachers create their own summaries, VCAA have study designs and curriculum outlines, whilst companies produce commercially available resources too (e.g. textbook, Edrolo, lecture providers etc).

7 Tips for Efficient Note Taking

Summarise - Only include important points. Be clear and concise.
Use your own words.
Use structure and visually keep points organised - Choose appropriate strategies and styles. Think headings, colour and diagrams.
Add your own evaluation, questions and comments. Leave extra room to add more later on.
Make outside connections with content.
Review and improve notes regularly.
Store and order your notes. To keep track, you can use a planner from Elevate.

Note Styles

There are lots of different strategies and styles in which notes can be taken. Different situations call for different methods, as well as individual preference - so experiment and find your favourite/s! Examples include Outline notes, Cornell notes and Mind maps.

Other ways to keep learned knowledge alive
- Using flash cards
- Creating matching cards
- Memory tools - Using mnemonics (acronyms, acrostics, make up songs and stories, chunking)
- Recording (and listening to) summaries
- Answering and creating practice questions
- Using Artificial Intelligence to create questions and summaries
- Joining study groups
- Attending revision sessions

Jenna Argall

Senior Academic Counsellor