PSYCHOLOGY

Can Psychology Make Revising Easier? ✏️

Everyone has reached that point in their revision schedule where they’re too burnt out to focus and start questioning whether any information is even going in, right? But did you know that there are many theories and tips we can borrow from the field of psychology to make revision easier?

For this psychology scoop, we’re going to explore some key psychological ideas, and the ways in which they can be applied to educational contexts!

💡 Things to consider

• Basic Rest Activity Cycle: This refers to the biological rhythm our body operates on, which consists of alternating periods of elevated and lowered alertness. On average, each cycle is about 90 minutes long. Essentially, this means that our concentration levels tend to peak and decline within that window, making our brains more tired and decreasing the effectiveness of any work done beyond it. A study of elite violinists by Ericsson et al. (2006) demonstrated that when practice sessions were scheduled in line with this cycle, it resulted in the best outcomes and improvements. This finding can also be used to increase the efficacy of your revision sessions! When creating your revision schedule, instead of trying to power through hours-long blocks, limit each session to no longer than 90 minutes to avoid fatigue and maximise performance. After that, make sure to take a break (or even a nap!) to allow your brain time to recover and reset for optimal alertness when you resume.

  

  Deffo nap time

• Retrieval Failure Theory: This theory suggests that the reason we seemingly forget information is due to a lack of sufficient cues to aid recall. In order to be able to retrieve information from our long-term memory store, we must ensure it’s encoded alongside appropriate semantic cues that we can later use to trigger recall.

  In terms of revision, some ways to create these cues include:

  1. Creating meaningful links between pieces of information (e.g. using mnemonics to improve your recall of lists),

  2. Practising different types of recall during revision (e.g. using multiple-choice questions to improve recognition, or flashcards to stimulate cued recall).

  

• Mindset Theory: Carol Dweck’s Mindset Theory (2006) states that those with a growth mindset believe they can achieve their goals and succeed through effort, whereas those with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence and abilities are innate—and often give up when they face failure. Research by Blackwell et al. (2007) showed that students taught to adopt a growth mindset displayed improved motivation and better academic performance. This suggests that adopting a more positive attitude towards revision and increasing your self-belief and self-motivation can be beneficial for your studies and overall grades!

🔎 Find out more

• How to structure revision

• Cues and retrieval

• Dweck (2006) study

• Blackwell et al. (20007) study

🍒 The cherry on top

• 🏛️ Monumental Meaning: This article explores how monuments have evolved, from ancient pyramids and medieval cathedrals to modern, abstract memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It traces how these structures have served as tools of power, remembrance, identity, and increasingly, introspection and inclusivity. A thoughtful read if you’re interested in History, Architecture, or Archaeology.

• 🇫🇷 Linguno: Learning a language (at any level)? This site has listening, vocab, and conjugation exercises, as well as several daily crossword puzzles per language! Such a hidden gem if you’re into Modern Foreign Languages.

• 🎬 Pixar and Maths: Behind every Pixar character walk, spin, or wave is math in motion. From coordinate geometry helping Woody cross the stage, to trigonometry powering every rotation, and subdivision algorithms shaping Geri’s hand or Merida’s dress, this talk (with extra resources!) pulls back the curtain on how math builds Pixar’s visual magic. A brilliant site for fans of Maths, Art, and Film Studies.

👀 Keep your eyes peeled for…

• 4th June

  • Clare College Cambridge History Lecture

• 5th June

  • Homerton College Cambridge Computer Science Subject Focus Session

• 6th June

  • St Mary’s University - History and Politics Masterclass Day

• 9th June

  • UEA Economica Webinar

  • UEA Genetic Engineering Webinar

  • University of Warwick Chemistry Webinar

• 10th June

  • Homerton College Cambridge Philosophy Subject Focus Session

  • LSE Language, Culture and Society Taster Course

  • QMUL Girls Into Tech Taster Session

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