You revise for an exam, sit the test, and then the knowledge slips through your fingers — forgotten within two days? This problem troubles many children and parents alike. In fact, there are effective memory techniques, and once learned, children won't forget so quickly.
Method 1: Spaced Retrieval
Many children revise by reading straight through from beginning to end, but the most effective approach is to "read through once, take a break, then read through again." It is best spread across several days: read through today, read through again tomorrow, and read through one final time the day before the exam. This method is known as the "spacing effect" and helps make memories more durable.
Method 2: Association
Linking new knowledge to things you already know makes it much easier to remember. For example, to remember that "the capital of Singapore is Singapore City", you could imagine that "Singapore" and "Singapore City" are the same word — it is so absurd that you'll remember it.
Method 3: Testing Yourself
Many children think "reading it through equals learning it", but in fact "trying to recite it from memory" is the best way to learn. Closing the book and attempting to recall or write out the key points from memory will greatly strengthen your impression of the material.
How Parents Can Help
Instead of just asking "Have you finished revising?", try asking "Can you explain it to me?" Getting children to explain the content in their own words is far more effective than simply reading aloud.