What is a Mistakes Diary?

Learning from your mistakes is so important, so how do you ensure you are doing that? And how can this benefit your studies? A mistakes diary is how you do it.

Published 07 May 2020 • Updated 22 October 2025 • 5 min read

By Manoj Arachige

One of the most effective ways to learn is to learn from your mistakes. It might sound trite, but that does not diminish how true it is. As a student, this means making a mistakes diary. What is it and how does it help? Let us break it down.

What is a Mistakes Diary?

It is quite literally in the name: a diary where you compile all the mistakes you've made. Calm down, not in the "why did I date them" type of mistakes.

Jokes aside, a mistakes diary is for you to copy down the questions you got wrong, either in assignments or in your past papers, and note down the mistake you made along with the correct solution. These tend to work better for STEM subjects, and I highly recommend keeping separate mistakes diaries for each subject.

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Curious about what other study habits successful students have? This KIS Academics video breaks it down for you:

How do I create a Mistakes Diary?

It is so simple, and you can keep it simple too. If you want to make it pretty, or whatever your aesthetic is, you can do that too, though it is not necessary.

Get a notebook for each subject you have.
Copy out, or cut out and paste every single question you get wrong throughout the year.
Include your working that you did wrong, and identify where you went wrong.
Finally, write the correct solution in a different coloured ink.

Trust me, it fills up fast at the start, but as the year goes on you may notice that you’re adding less and less to this book. Because you're learning from your mistakes!

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How does this Help me?

Writing down what you got wrong forces you to reflect and review your mistakes, so you won’t be making the same error a second time. This is vital for all subjects, and regardless of whether your mistakes are “real” or “silly” mistakes.

There is no point doing twenty practice papers if you never review your mistakes, because you'd just be making the same mistakes over and over again. This mistakes diary ensures that you practice active learning, and is also a really handy resource when you are preparing for the final exams. You have a notebook full of questions of all different topics that you can go over again!

Conclusion

This is, in my opinion, one of the best and most effective ways to study. Give it a shot and see how well it works for you! For more study resources, check out these KIS Academics articles:

FAQs

Does this work for every subject?

Yes, because it is just a method for you to review and reflect on the mistakes you made. I will say though, that this method works better for STEM subjects since most humanities subjects' assignments tend to be essays rather than short questions.

Nonetheless, yes! It is a useful tool for every subject!

What other good study habits should I adopt?

Have a good study routine that you can keep up with. A good study routine prioritises balance to ensure that you do not burn out, but keeps you accountable to your study goals.

For an idea on how to create a sustainable study routine, check out this KIS Academics article.

How to Study effectively?

That is really up to you. Everyone learns differently, so you have to find a study method that works for you. For some inspiration, check out this KIS Academics article.

Check out what other parents and students have to say about their KIS Academics tutors: