Backed by research
Study techniques that work
The study techniques with the strongest evidence are testing yourself (active recall) and spreading your study out over time (spaced repetition). Mixing related topics (interleaving) helps too. Here is what each one is, why it works, and how to use it.
The techniques
Active recall
Test yourself instead of re-reading.
Active recall is a study technique where you test yourself by pulling information out of your memory, instead of re-reading or highlighting it.
Read the guideSpaced repetition
Review just before you forget.
Spaced repetition is a study technique where you review material at increasing intervals over time, just before you are likely to forget it, instead of cramming it all at once.
Read the guideInterleaving
Mix related topics in one session.
Interleaving is a study technique where you mix different topics or types of problems within one study session, instead of finishing one topic before starting the next (called blocking).
Read the guideThe Leitner system
Spaced repetition with boxes.
The Leitner system is a way to schedule flashcard reviews using a series of boxes: cards you answer correctly move to the next box and are reviewed less often, while cards you get wrong go back to the first box and are reviewed most often.
Read the guide
Put it together
How do the techniques fit together?
They answer different questions. Active recall is how to study: by testing yourself. Spaced repetition is when to study: at widening intervals, just before you forget. Interleaving is what to put together: related topics mixed, once you know the basics. The Leitner system is a simple paper method that combines the first two.
In practice: make questions from what you are learning, test yourself on them today, come back tomorrow and then at longer gaps, and mix topics in your later sessions. Flashcards and short quizzes are the easiest way to do all of it; see how to make good flashcards and why quizzing yourself works.
Put the research to work
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