Active Recall
Active recall is the process of actively stimulating your memory for a piece of information. Instead of passively re-reading, watching, or listening to content, you force your brain to retrieve the information without help. This act of retrieval is what strengthens your neural pathways and cements the knowledge in your long-term memory.
How to Practice It:
- Use Flashcards: The classic method. Write a question or term on one side and the answer on the other.
- The Feynman Technique: Try to explain the concept in simple terms, as if you were teaching it to a child.
- Do "Brain Dumps": After reading a chapter, close the book and write down everything you can remember about it.
Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. It works in tandem with active recall to combat the "forgetting curve"—our natural tendency to forget things over time. By spacing out your reviews, you tell your brain that this information is important and needs to be retained.
"Spaced repetition is arguably the most powerful technique for remembering what you learn."
How to Practice It:
The easiest way to implement spaced repetition is with software. Tools like Anki, Quizlet, or SuperMemo use algorithms to schedule reviews for you automatically. You simply create your flashcards, and the app tells you when it's time to review them.
Quick Summary
- Active Recall: Force your brain to retrieve information to strengthen memory.
- Spaced Repetition: Review information at increasing intervals to combat forgetting.
- Combine Them: Use active recall as your review method within a spaced repetition schedule for maximum effect.
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