How to study for exams - The Retrospective Revision Timetable

Summary

In this informative video, Ali, a junior doctor from Cambridge, shares his insights on effective study techniques, particularly focusing on the retrospective revision timetable method. He contrasts this approach with the traditional prospective revision timetable, highlighting its inefficiencies such as the need for future prediction and the tendency to focus on time rather than topics. Ali introduces the concept of a retrospective revision timetable, which involves reviewing topics based on their difficulty level and personal knowledge gaps, using active recall and spaced repetition. He demonstrates how to create this timetable using Google Sheets, emphasizing its simplicity and the ability to provide an overview of one's subjects without the need for advanced planning. Ali also credits his success in university to the aggressive use of efficient study techniques, including the retrospective revision timetable, which he believes is a more effective and efficient method for studying.

Takeaways

• 📅 The retrospective revision timetable is a more efficient study method compared to the traditional prospective method.
• 🔮 You don't need to predict the future with the retrospective method; it focuses on what you need to study now based on your past performance.
• 📝 Retrospective method involves listing topics and tracking your progress over time, encouraging study based on topics rather than time.
• 🟢🟠🔴 The use of color coding (green, yellow, red) in the retrospective method helps in identifying areas of strength and weakness for focused revision.
• 📈 Active recall and spaced repetition are key techniques used in conjunction with the retrospective revision timetable to enhance memory retention.
• 🚫 The prospective method can lead to inefficiencies such as studying less relevant topics early on or not focusing on areas of weakness.
• 📈 Spaced repetition ensures that topics are revisited with increasing intervals, which is beneficial for long-term memory.
• 🎯 The retrospective method allows for prioritization of topics based on urgency and difficulty, making study sessions more targeted and effective.
• 💡 Creating a retrospective revision timetable is straightforward and does not require significant upfront planning or effort.
• 🌟 Ali, the speaker, attributes his academic success to the aggressive use of efficient study techniques, including the retrospective revision timetable.
• 🌐 Squarespace is highlighted as a user-friendly platform for website creation, suitable for those with varying levels of web design experience.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about revision timetables, specifically comparing the standard prospective revision timetable method to the retrospective revision timetable method.

What is the retrospective revision timetable method?

The retrospective revision timetable method is a study technique where instead of planning out revisions in advance, you look back on what you've studied and decide what to study next based on what you haven't covered or what you feel you need to review more.

What are the four main problems Ali had with the standard prospective revision timetable?

The four main problems were: 1) the need to predict future study needs, 2) the focus on time rather than topics, 3) the difficulty in getting an overview of subject knowledge, and 4) the effort required to create the timetable itself.

How does the retrospective revision timetable address the issue of predicting future study needs?

The retrospective revision timetable addresses this issue by focusing on what has been studied and what remains to be studied, rather than trying to predict future needs in advance.

What is the traffic light method mentioned in the video?

The traffic light method is a color-coding system used to indicate the level of understanding or confidence in a topic. It typically uses red for areas that need more work, yellow for areas that are moderately well understood, and green for areas that are well understood.

How does active recall fit into the retrospective revision timetable?

Active recall is a study technique where you attempt to remember information without looking at the material. In the retrospective revision timetable, it is used to test your knowledge of a topic before looking at your notes or resources, which helps to reinforce learning.

What is spaced repetition and how is it used in the retrospective revision timetable?

Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you review information at increasing intervals over time. In the retrospective revision timetable, it is used to revisit topics periodically to reinforce memory and understanding.

Why does Ali recommend using Google Sheets to create a retrospective revision timetable?

Ali recommends using Google Sheets because it allows for easy organization and tracking of study topics and dates. It also enables the use of color coding and can be accessed and edited from anywhere.

What is the benefit of focusing on topics rather than time in the retrospective revision timetable?

Focusing on topics rather than time allows for a more flexible and efficient study approach. It ensures that study time is dedicated to areas where understanding is weakest, rather than following a rigid schedule that may not align with actual learning needs.

How does the retrospective revision timetable help with the overall understanding of a subject?

The retrospective revision timetable helps with overall understanding by ensuring that each topic is revisited and reviewed based on its difficulty and importance. This targeted approach allows for a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.

What is the advantage of starting the retrospective revision timetable with a list of all topics?

Starting with a list of all topics provides a clear overview of the subject and helps to break down what might seem like a daunting task into manageable parts. It also allows for better planning and repetition of topics.