Spacing & Retrieval to Increase How Much You Learn

Retrieving

One simple way to make studying more effective is to spend less time rereading and more time trying to remember what you’ve learned.

After studying something, close the book and see what you can recall. Try a few flashcards or practice questions, explain the idea in your own words, or write down what you remember before checking your notes. These small acts of retrieval can help the information stick

Spacing

It also helps to space your practice out. Come back to the material the next day, then a few days later, then again the following week. Try to remember it before looking at your notes. As it becomes easier, increase the time between reviews.

And if you forget something or find it difficult, that’s useful too. It shows you what still needs attention.

And find something in the material that grabs you. That spark of curiosity is useful. Follow it. You’ll remember more, ask better questions, and probably end up somewhere you didn’t expect

*Linked: a podcast episode on this topic, specifically for students