Study Tips: Use Active Recall

When it comes to revision, one of the biggest mistakes students make is simply reading or highlighting notes and calling it “studying.” While it might feel productive, this is actually a passive way to learn – -and it doesn’t help much when it comes to remembering things later.

That’s where Active Recall comes in. It’s a powerful, research-backed method that helps you remember more in less time.

What is Active Recall?

Active Recall is the process of testing yourself to bring information to mind – without looking at your notes. In other words, instead of re-reading, you try to recall what you already know.

This method forces your brain to work harder, which strengthens memory and improves long-term learning.

How to Use Active Recall:

1. Study a topic briefly.
   (e.g. read your notes on binary, or watch a short video on sorting algorithms)

2. Close your notes and test yourself.
   Try to answer questions like:

• What are the key points?
• Can I explain it in my own words?
• Can I draw a diagram from memory?

1. Check your answers.
   Go back to your notes and see what you missed.

2. Repeat again later.
   Try recalling the same information the next day, or a few days later.

 Easy Ways to Do Active Recall:

• Write quiz questions while you study – then answer them later

• Use flashcards (apps like Anki or Quizlet are great)

• Teach the topic to a friend, sibling, or even your pet!

• Cover your notes and rewrite them from memory

• Do past paper questions without looking at your notes

What’s the point?

There are many reasons to practise active recall. It strengthens our memory and helps us identify gaps in our knowledge, by forcing us to think deeply and consider the connections between our schema – our understanding of concepts.

It also prepares you for exam conditions – going above a regular revision session, and helps you build confidence in what you’ve learned.

Example Session Using Active Recall:

Final Tip:

Don’t worry if you get lots wrong the first time, that’s part of the process! Struggling to recall something actually helps you learn it better the next time. Think of Active Recall like a gym workout for your brain, the more you train, the stronger your memory gets.