If you’ve ever prepared for an exam, you’ve probably found yourself day-dreaming about a magic pill you could take to download everything you need to know in minutes.
But sadly, learning doesn’t work like that! You’ve got to show up, put the hard work in, and only then will you be able to get the results you want.
Nonetheless, in the spirit of working smarter (not harder) this exam season, we put together three novel learning theories that you could implement in your next revision session to hack your learning.
1. Discover Your Learning Style
Are you an auditory learner? An audio-visual learner? Or even a kinesthetic learner?
If you haven’t got a clue, then this test can help you discover whether you learn best via seeing, hearing or doing — then you can tailor your revision plan to suit.
Understanding how your brain prefers to absorb information can make a huge difference in how effectively you study. For example, if you’re a visual learner, tools like mind maps, diagrams and colour-coded notes could help ideas stick. If you’re auditory, you might benefit more from podcasts, recorded lectures or even reading your notes out loud.
By aligning your study methods with your natural learning preferences, you’re not only making your revision more enjoyable — you’re also making it more productive.
2. Take Notes By Hand
Sure, it’s tempting to pick up your tablet for notes, throw up a new doc, or even snap a picture of an important slide on your phone (and let’s be serious—no one looks back at those photos!!)
But studies show that hand-writing your notes with pen and paper (and some coloured pencils for good measure) actually improves retention over time. So turn off the screen!
When you write by hand, your brain has to process the information more deeply, which creates stronger memory pathways. Plus, the physical act of writing slows you down just enough to give your brain time to digest what you’re learning. The result? Better understanding and recall when you need it most — like during exam time.
3. Use the Spacing Effect
Instead of cramming all your revision into one marathon session, try spacing your learning over several days. This is called distributed practice — and it helps your brain strengthen memory connections over time. Short, focused bursts of revision repeated at intervals are far more effective than one-off sessions.
This technique works because it mimics how we naturally remember information. Think of it like exercise: just as muscles grow with consistent training and rest, your memory strengthens with spaced learning and time to consolidate. Apps like Anki or even simple calendar reminders can help you revisit topics at the right time to keep them fresh in your mind.
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Becoming Life-Long Learners
As dentists, we have an imperative to keep learning throughout our career, that means learning how to learn, too.
The ability to absorb new information efficiently is a skill that serves you well beyond exams — it’s a foundation for ongoing clinical growth, patient care, and professional development.
So whether you’re revising for your next assessment or simply brushing up on best practices, try integrating one of these techniques into your study routine. You might be surprised by how much more you retain — and how much less stressful learning becomes.
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