Why Re-Reading Your Notes is a Waste of Time (Do this Instead)

Put the highlighter down

Re-reading your notes isn’t just mind-numbingly boring, it’s also one of the least effective ways to study. 

Research shows that simply re-reading information gives you the illusion of learning without actually helping you remember anything long-term.  

So, if you’re guilty of highlighting random words in your textbook and reading the same sentences over and over, it’s time to switch things up. 

Here’s what to do instead: 

Active Recall. 

Testing yourself is where the real magic happens.  

Active recall is the process of forcing your brain to retrieve information instead of just recognising it. 

Instead of aimlessly reading, quiz yourself:  cover up your notes and try to remember key concepts.  

Use flashcards, get a mate to test you, or even just talk to yourself.  

The effort of retrieving information strengthens your memory. Think of it like a muscle, the more you train it, the stronger it gets. 

Teach it to someone else. 

This method is known as the Feynman Technique. It helps you break down complex topics and identify gaps in your learning, 

Teaching forces you to really understand the material. 

If you can explain a concept in simple terms, you actually understand it.  

Try teaching your dog, your sibling, or a very patient friend.  

What if no one is around? Pretend you’re making a TikTok explainer video.  

The more you simplify and articulate the info, the better it sticks. 

If you get stuck or can’t remember something, that’s a sign you need to review that part. 

Blurting. 

This one’s a simple yet effective method. 

Take a blank piece of paper and write down everything you can remember on a topic. 

Once you’ve dumped all your knowledge onto the page, check what you missed and focus on those weak spots.  

It’s basically a DIY memory test. 

This technique forces you to actively retrieve information, making it way more effective than passively skimming through notes. 

Make it visual. 

Our brains love visuals. Studies show that people remember images better than text. 

Turn your notes into mind maps, diagrams, drawings, whatever helps you understand concepts. 

Swap out endless pages of notes for something more engaging.  

Plus, it makes revision way more interesting. 

Space it out. 

Your brain loves repetition, but not all at once. 

 Instead of stuffing your head with information the night before an exam, spread it out over days or weeks.  

You can even use a revision schedule to revisit topics on a certain day each week. 

Your brain needs time to process and store information. So if you’re a ‘study the night before’ person, it might be time to rethink your study schedule.  

Spaced repetition helps lock information into your long-term memory. 

So, instead of wasting time reading and re-reading notes, start doing something with the info.  

Quiz yourself, teach it, write it out, and mix up your study techniques.  

Your brain (and future test scores) will thank you.