Summary of "THE BEST Way to Revise! - Study Techniques YOU NEED TO KNOW!"

Summary of THE BEST Way to Revise! - Study Techniques YOU NEED TO KNOW!

This video, presented by Jun Yu, a Dean’s List biomedical engineering student, offers a comprehensive evaluation and ranking of popular study techniques based on their effectiveness (utility) in improving learning outcomes, especially at higher education levels. The main message is to avoid relying solely on the quantity of study hours (“the numbers game”) and instead focus on high-utility strategies that maximize comprehension, retention, and application of knowledge efficiently.

Key Concepts and Lessons

Avoid the “Numbers Game” Trap Spending more hours studying does not necessarily lead to better results, especially in demanding higher education courses with multiple classes. Efficient strategies matter more than sheer time invested.
Utility of Techniques Different study methods vary in effectiveness. Prioritize strategies proven to be high utility to save time and improve learning outcomes.
Adoption Takes Time High-utility strategies require time to learn and apply properly. Persistence is key; many give up too soon when results are not immediate.

Detailed Ranking and Explanation of Study Techniques

1. Top Tier (Highly Recommended)

Teaching Others (Feynman Technique) Explaining concepts in simple terms forces you to reorganize, contextualize, and apply knowledge, promoting deep understanding and retention. Encourages active recall.
Spaced Repetition Combat the forgetting curve by revisiting material at increasing intervals. Start with short intervals for new info, then space out as familiarity grows. Enables better long-term retention and reduces cramming.
Active Recall Regularly test yourself on material to enhance retrieval and identify knowledge gaps. Consider active recall a principle underpinning many effective methods like teaching, practice tests, and the Feynman technique.
Question Banks Create or use banks of active recall questions derived from class notes and critical thinking about the material. This method encourages deeper engagement and consistent self-testing.
Past Papers Practice with previous exam questions under timed, exam-like conditions to identify important content, understand question formats, and build exam confidence.

2. Great Tier (Very Useful)

Online Videos Using credible videos offers a different learning modality, helping with interleaving and providing alternative explanations that might clarify difficult concepts.
Mind Maps/Diagrams When done correctly (not just copying slides but organizing and simplifying information visually), diagrams help understand the big picture and make meaningful connections, enhancing comprehension and memory.

3. Good Tier (Useful but with Caveats)

Pomodoro Technique Break study sessions into focused intervals (traditionally 25 minutes work + 5 minutes break, but can be adjusted) to maintain focus and build momentum, especially helpful for procrastinators.
Studying with Music Instrumental or lyric-free music can aid focus by masking distracting noises. Avoid music with lyrics during deep work to prevent cognitive interference.
Anki (Digital Flashcards) Popular for memorization, especially in medicine, but caution is advised. Simple Q&A flashcards (cue-target recall) may not prepare you for complex, applied exam questions. Use flashcards as part of a broader active recall strategy.
Making Notes Effective note-taking involves highlighting key concepts and creating active recall questions during class. Poor note-taking (copying everything without engagement) is low utility.

4. Average Tier (Moderate Usefulness)

Rewatching Lectures Generally inefficient because it doubles work. Better avoided unless used selectively for clarifying missed points or reviewing specific content at increased playback speed. Priming before lectures reduces the need for this.
Reading Notes Depends on how notes were taken. Passive reading of poorly structured notes is low utility; active engagement with well-made notes is more effective.

5. Low Tier (Not Recommended)

Rote Learning Memorizing by repetition without understanding has limited use beyond early education. Higher education demands application, synthesis, and critical thinking, which rote learning does not support.

Additional Advice

Priming Sessions Prepare before class by gaining a big-picture understanding to make lectures more meaningful and engaging.
Interleaving Mix different topics and learning modalities (reading, videos, teaching) to improve understanding and retention.
Critical Thinking Always challenge yourself to understand why answers are correct or incorrect, not just memorize facts.
Consistency Over Intensity Regular, spaced study sessions with active recall outperform last-minute cramming.

Speakers/Sources Featured

Jun Yu The sole speaker and presenter of the video. He shares personal experience as a biomedical engineering student and provides detailed commentary on study techniques, ranking them by utility.
Ali Abdal Mentioned briefly as a “productivity King” in the context of the tier ranking but does not directly speak in the video.

Summary

The video emphasizes adopting scientifically supported, high-utility study methods like teaching others, spaced repetition, active recall, question banks, and past papers. It warns against low-utility techniques such as rote learning and passive rewatching of lectures. The goal is to study smarter, not longer, and to persist in applying effective strategies to maximize academic success.