Best Practice Guide: Look, Cover, Write, Check

The Look, Cover, Write, Check method is one of the most accessible and effective revision strategies, especially for memorising key vocabulary, spellings, and definitions. But using it properly is what turns it from a simple method into a powerful memory tool.

Below are some best practice tips to help you get the most out of Look, Cover, Write, Check, particularly for mastering Computer Science terminology.

 Best Practice Guide: Look, Cover, Write, Check (LCWC)

The Look, Cover, Write, Check method is one of the most accessible and effective revision strategies, especially for memorising key vocabulary, spellings, and definitions. But using it properly is what turns it from a simple method into a powerful memory tool.

Below are some best practice tips to help you get the most out of LCWC, particularly for mastering Computer Science terminology.

• Use it little and often
  
  Practice Look, Cover, Write, Check in short, focused sessions of 10 – 15 minutes. Spaced repetition (coming back to the same terms every few days) is more effective than long cramming sessions.
• Make your own lists
  
  Create personalised word lists based on your current Computer Science topic (e.g., Networking, Data Structures, Software Development). Words that confuse you or are hard to spell should be a top priority.
• Understand before you memorise
  
  Don’t jump straight into memorisation. Take time to fully understand the word and how it’s used. Try to think of an example from real life or your studies.
• Say it out loud
  
  When looking at the word and definition, say both aloud. This engages your auditory memory and reinforces learning.
• Use a structured layout
  
  Set up your practice page clearly with columns for: word, definition, your written attempt, corrections/notes
  
  This allows you to see your progress and spot patterns in your mistakes.
• Be honest when checking
  
  After writing your answer, compare carefully with the original. Don’t ‘half-mark’ something correct if it’s wrong; precision matters in Computer Science.
•  Use colour and symbols
  
  Highlight corrected words in a different colour. Use arrows or symbols (✔, ✖) to track what you’ve remembered or need to re-learn.
• Mix it up with quizzes
  
  After a few sessions, test yourself using a blank quiz. Either from memory or using flashcards. This reinforces long-term recall.
• Track your progress
  
  Review and revisit tricky terms each week. Keeping a mini log of words you’ve mastered versus ones you still struggle with helps keep revision focused.
• Digital or paper?
  
  Either is fine – choose the format you’ll stick with. Digital tools like Google Sheets can make tracking easier, while handwritten notebooks are great for reinforcing memory through writing.

Top Tip: Look, Cover, Write, Check works best when you’re truly engaging with the meaning of each word, not just copying it out. Think about what it means, where you’ve seen it used, and why it matters in Computer Science.

This method may seem simple, but it’s powerful. When used correctly and consistently, Look, Cover, Write, Check can significantly boost retention, recall, and confidence in exams.