Pros/cons of writing after remembering before exams

[mom17]

Ok, Here is a dilemma I have. I told my son to read his chapter 2-3 times ( different days spread across 1 month or so )and then read each para, think of qs which can be asked, remember the key words and all points reading it 2-3 times and write it down. The reason for doing this is when you read something, you feel you have remembered everything but only when you write it, you realize you have forgotten few points. The idea is not to cram but to remember all points ( not writing verbatim but covering all points without missing keywords). But at times, I feel if it is correct method? I would like to know How top set of student study ?

If this is a method for learning particular facts, then reading stuff, testing yourself on it and writing it down is a reasonable method (the writing down helps with remembering spellings of technical terms). Even better is trying to remember first, writing down what you think the key points are, then check against the book and correct your original list. The act of trying to remember rather than looking up the information first is called retrieval practice which research shows is a much more effective way of getting things to stick in your brain.

Also, rather than trying to think of questions that can be asked, using questions from a textbook or past exam papers will help ensure that he is working at the correct levels. Our brains tend to come up with questions that we can answer so he wouldn't necessarily spot his gaps.

You don't say how old your DS is or what he is revising for. However it is important that he finds the way that works best for his revision. We all learn differently and what works for you might not work for him. Also different methods may work better for different subjects. Have school given him any revision tips?

I echo Seeline. Tried passing on revision and exam technique to my DS, but most methods that worked for me were not successful for him. People learn in different ways, he has to find the method that is best for him. I've heard of auditory, visual and kinaesthetic (sp.?) (hands on, learning by doing) methods. Each person is stronger in one of these areas.

noblegiraffe : thanks for your suggestion. I can see some improvement points in his current method.
SeelIne: He is 11.5 years old. School doesn't give any revision tips.
BrendansDanceShoes: Is there a way to findout learning style?