Overcoming the Revision Wall: How AI Can Help Students Tackle Challenges
It’s that time of year when schools urge students to begin revising consistently. For some, this is a seamless transition—they create schedules, open their books, and dive into their studies with natural discipline. These students are showered with praise and often see their hard work reflected in excellent results. However, many others face a different reality. They have the best intentions, craft revision timetables, gather materials like flashcards and mind maps, but struggle to move from “I think I should…” to “I have done…”
The Struggles of Procrastination
As a classroom teacher and tutor, I’ve encountered this often and enjoy delving into the reasons behind it. To make students feel comfortable, I start by sharing my own struggles with revision during my GCSEs. I recall shutting myself in my room without distractions, opening a textbook, and… staring blankly at a page. Sometimes, I’d find myself fascinated by a crack on the wall, using it as a welcome distraction from the discomfort of trying to learn. To this day, that crack still haunts me when I visit my parents.
Sharing stories like these opens the door for students to talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. Often, their procrastination stems from feelings of overwhelm: “I don’t know where to start,” “It’s too hard,” or “Nothing sticks.” Well-meaning advice from parents and teachers, such as “Just get started” or “Leave your phone outside,” can feel dismissive. It’s akin to telling a smoker to “just stop” or someone wanting to lose weight to “exercise more.” These comments fail to provide concrete, actionable steps. Students need strategies that guide them through the “how” of revision and make the process less intimidating.
Breaking Through: Strategies That Work
One effective approach, especially in science and maths, is using open-book past papers. This method allows students to cover a broad range of topics while becoming familiar with exam layouts and recurring themes. It also helps students focus on high-yield content, removing distractions from less commonly assessed material.
The true power of this method lies in evaluation. Simply completing a paper isn’t enough; students need to mark their answers and analyse their mistakes. This process builds familiarity with mark schemes and helps them understand what examiners look for. However, many students struggle with this step, which is where Bright Path Learning’s tutors excel.
Our tutors are experienced curriculum experts who specialise in identifying gaps in knowledge. They don’t just address surface-level misunderstandings—they dig deeper to uncover the root causes of confusion and build back up to complex applications. This approach fosters “lightbulb moments,” where concepts suddenly click into place. These moments are transformative. They boost confidence and motivation, creating a positive cycle of progress. When students experience this regularly, they begin to enjoy revision and approach it with greater enthusiasm.
How AI Can Help
AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Co-Pilot, and Google Gemini can amplify these strategies, providing personalised support that empowers students to overcome common barriers.
1. “I don’t know where to start.”
Students can ask AI to create tailored revision schedules. For example:
“I’m studying A-level biology (OCR A), A-level maths (AQA), and A-level English (AQA). Create a weekly schedule from January to May, focusing on topics I need to revise.”
If a student has commitments, they can refine the schedule:
“I have football on Tuesday evenings, Bright Path tuition on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and I’d like to revise two topics per subject per week. Adjust my schedule accordingly.”
The AI can account for personal routines, ensuring that students have a clear roadmap, eliminating the overwhelm of “Where do I begin?”
2. “It’s too hard.”
When faced with challenging questions, students can input them into AI for detailed explanations:
“Explain this question: [Insert question]. Use simple language and provide step-by-step reasoning.”
If confusion persists, they can request additional examples:
“Give me two more practice questions based on this concept and mark my answers.”
This iterative process mirrors the support of a tutor, helping students close knowledge gaps and build confidence.
3. Essay-Based Subjects
AI tools can serve as a powerful ally for essay-based subjects by providing diagnostic feedback that encourages iterative improvement. Students can start by completing a practice essay and submitting it to AI for detailed evaluation, receiving insights on structure, analysis, and evidence usage. They can refine their essay based on this feedback, then submit a revised version to compare progress. This approach ensures students are better prepared when their teachers assign essays, enabling classroom feedback to focus on fine-tuning rather than foundational issues.
For even deeper engagement, students can integrate teacher feedback into the process. By sharing their teacher’s comments with AI, they can receive targeted suggestions for further refinement. For example, after a teacher highlights weak points in argumentation or lack of clarity in evidence, students can ask AI to specifically assess improvements in those areas during their next attempt. This cycle not only reinforces learning but also empowers students to maximise the value of teacher feedback, building confidence and a stronger grasp of course expectations.
The Power of Motivation
Cognitive science shows that rewards trigger dopamine, reinforcing behaviors and driving repetition. When students succeed in revision, even in small ways, they experience a dopamine boost, making them more likely to continue. Over time, as they associate revision with positive outcomes, procrastination becomes easier to overcome.
At Bright Path Learning, we see this transformation firsthand. Take Beth, who worked with Steve from the end of Year 12 to Year 13. Initially struggling in biology, she experienced regular lightbulb moments during tuition. Her confidence soared, and her independent work improved. Within four months, she earned a “Most Improved” award and was on track for a grade A.
Hattie’s journey was even more remarkable. Starting Year 12 with an E in biology, she worked diligently with Steve, responding to feedback and growing in confidence. By the end of Year 13, she achieved an A and secured a place in medical school. Now in her final year, Hattie is set to become a qualified doctor—a testament to the power of expert tuition and perseverance.
The Future of AI in Education
While some worry about students misusing AI, its potential as a learning tool is immense. When integrated ethically into education, AI can revolutionise revision, making it faster, more effective, and enjoyable. Studies, like the recent meta-analysis on AI’s impact on learning (read it here), highlight its benefits, particularly in higher education. At Bright Path Learning, we believe AI can have an equally profound impact on secondary school students, supercharging their revision and boosting their confidence.
Contact Us Today
At Bright Path Learning, we specialise in empowering students with expert tuition in GCSE and A-level Maths, English, and Sciences. Contact us at learn@brightpathlearning.co.uk, visit our website at www.brightpathlearning.co.uk, or reach out via WhatsApp at 07751 864152. Follow us on social media for more tips: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. Let’s help your child reach their potential!
