Make sense of topics instead of memorising without understanding
If revision feels confusing or overwhelming, the problem is often how information is organised, not how much you revise.
This page shows you how to structure and understand content clearly so it actually makes sense and stays in your memory.
👉 Watch the video below, then apply the techniques step by step.
Who benefits from these strategies?
This page is ideal for:
Students who feel revision is confusing or disorganised
KS3 students learning how to revise independently
GCSE students overwhelmed by large topics
Parents supporting revision at home
These strategies focus on clarity before memorisation.
Why understanding comes before memorising
Trying to memorise content that isn’t organised leads to:
Confusion
Shallow learning
Forgetting under exam pressure
Organising content properly helps you:
See connections between ideas
Understand processes and concepts
Recall information more easily in exams
CORE STRATEGIES
Dual Coding
What it is:
Combining words with visuals to improve understanding and memory.
How to use it properly:
Turn notes into diagrams, flowcharts, tables, or timelines
Use labels and arrows clearly
Keep visuals simple and meaningful
Visuals should explain information, not decorate it.
Mind Mapping (From Memory)
What it is:
Creating mind maps to test and organise understanding.
How to use it properly:
Write the topic in the centre
Add branches from memory
Check notes and add missing ideas in a different colour
This reveals gaps in understanding clearly.
Chunking
What it is:
Breaking large topics into smaller, manageable sections.
How to use it properly:
Divide topics into clear sub-topics
Revise one chunk at a time
Master each chunk before moving on
Small steps lead to better understanding.
One-Page Summaries
What it is:
Condensing a topic into its most important ideas.
How to use it properly:
Use one A4 page per topic
Include keywords, diagrams, and symbols
Avoid full sentences
If you can summarise it clearly, you understand it.
HOW TO USE THIS IN REAL REVISION
Example: 35-Minute Understanding Session
5 minutes – Review topic structure
15 minutes – Dual coding or chunking
10 minutes – Create a mind map from memory
5 minutes – Check and improve organisation
This builds understanding before moving to recall or exam practice.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Avoid these mistakes:
Copying diagrams directly from textbooks
Writing long paragraphs instead of structuring ideas
Trying to summarise everything in one go
Memorising without understanding connections
Good organisation makes later revision much easier.
What to do next
Once content is clear and organised, plan how and when to revise it effectively.
These strategies are:
Used by experienced teachers and examiners
Suitable for KS3 and GCSE students
Effective across Maths, English, and Science
Used consistently, they help students revise smarter, not longer.
👉 Next: Smart Revision Planning
👉 Back to: Revision Resources
