How to Make the Most of a One-Hour Study Session

RAENA LEARNING
4 days ago
2 min read

At Raena Learning, we know that IGCSE and A Level students often struggle to find enough hours in the day for revision. The good news? You don’t always need marathon study sessions to make real progress. With the right approach, a single focused hour can be more powerful than three hours of passive reading or endless note-copying. Here’s a simple strategy to transform one hour into an effective, high-impact study session.

1. Start with 30 Minutes of Active Study

Passive reading rarely sticks. Instead, dive straight into active study. Pick a topic you want to focus on—maybe atomic structure in Chemistry, trigonometry in Maths, or themes in English Literature.

During these 30 minutes:

Read with purpose – don’t skim, ask yourself “What is the key idea here?”
Brainstorm before checking notes – try recalling what you already know about the topic. Jot down ideas, formulas, or keywords from memory.
Use structured note-making techniques:
- Mind maps for connecting ideas visually (great for Biology, Geography, Literature).
- Cornell method for structured, question-based notes (ideal for revision later).
- Brainstorm lists for quick recall practice.

This approach forces your brain to process information, not just passively absorb it.

2. Write Notes After, Not During Reading

Many students fall into the trap of copying textbooks word-for-word. The problem? You spend time writing, not learning. Instead:

Read and understand first.
Close the book and try to summarize in your own words.
Use bullet points, diagrams, or even short explanations as if you’re teaching someone else.

This method strengthens memory because you are reconstructing the knowledge, not just transcribing it.

3. Spend 20 Minutes on Application

Once you’ve built a foundation, test yourself immediately. This is where real learning happens. Choose either:

A short topical exercise.
A few past paper questions.

For example:

After revising organic reactions in Chemistry, try writing out mechanisms from memory.
After revising algebra, attempt two structured exam-style problems.
After revising a poem, attempt a practice analysis question.

This practice tells you exactly where your understanding is strong—and where gaps remain.

4. End with a 10-Minute Review

The last ten minutes should consolidate everything you’ve learned:

Review the mistakes you made in the exercise.
Update your notes or highlight weak areas to revisit next session.
Summarize the entire hour in a mini mind map or a list of key takeaways.

This wrap-up helps lock the session into your long-term memory.

Why This Works

Active recall → strengthens memory faster than passive reading.
Note-making after study → ensures understanding, not just copying.
Immediate application → mimics exam conditions and builds confidence.
Focused one-hour block → makes study less overwhelming and more efficient.

At Raena Learning, we believe it’s not the number of hours you study, but the quality of your study that leads to exam success. By following this one-hour study plan, IGCSE and A Level students can build deeper understanding, sharpen their recall, and walk into exams with confidence.