Tip 6 - Using self explanation

Do you think you’ve understood the topic? Do you think you’ve learned everything needed?

The simple way to test if you’ve learned something is by trying to simplify what you know at regular intervals throughout your revision session. For example, rereading your notes and mentally checking if you know everything by asking yourself to explain. If you can simplify and explain it to the level of a five year old it shows that you’ve understood and are able to adapt your knowledge - just like you’d do in an exam. Being able to simplify what you know to a basic level despite its complexity shows that you understand what you’re talking about and haven’t just learned a definition. A good way to memorise practicals or key concepts and keep them in your brain is to practice writing or talking about them as if you’re approaching a small child.

(If you’re interested in seeing examples of this, check out the subreddit r/explainlikeimfive to see the simplicity that can be reached for even the most complex topics)

Happy studying :)