The BPoP

Many students have found this to be the single most effective technique we have taught them. But beware - in addition to being super effective, it is effortful and it takes several weeks to see the gains! Research shows you won't even feel like it's working at the start.

To build rock solidly reliable long term memories, follow these six steps twice a week.

1.

Put all your notes / device AWAY. Get two pens and a blank bit of paper.

2.

With one pen, write all you can remember about the topic. This can be mindmap style or bullet points (if you have learnt a diagram use it).

3.

Think HARD about what you've missed. Drag up these memories (it's hard isn't it?!?). This is where the magic happens. Don't give up trying for at least a couple of minutes. If you remember something here, you're rapidly improving your subject knowledge.

4.

When you're sure you're done, and not just throwing in the towel, get your notes and fill in anything you have missed with the other pen.

5.

Repeat steps 2-4.

6.

Stop (don’t come back to this for another few days).

Remember

The brain science research says that this will feel like it’s not working, but persevere and you will rock the final exam!

If you want to learn more about this, visit the Learning Scientists website.