Learning

How Memory Works

The Forgetting Curve

Without review:

• 20 minutes – 42% forgotten
• 1 hour – 56% forgotten
• 1 day – 67% forgotten
• 1 week – 75% forgotten

The good news: Strategic review can dramatically flatten this curve.

Sleep and Memory

This means:

• Don't cram the night before and skip sleep
• Study, then sleep, then review
• Even naps can help consolidate learning

Effective Study Techniques

Spaced Repetition

Instead of cramming, spread your study sessions out over time. Review material at increasing intervals:

• First review: 1 day later
• Second review: 3 days later
• Third review: 1 week later
• Fourth review: 2 weeks later

Self-regulated study sequences show how learners naturally space their practice^[3].

Active Recall

Testing yourself is more effective than re-reading:

• Use flashcards
• Practice problems without looking at solutions
• Explain concepts out loud
• Write summaries from memory

The effort of retrieving information strengthens the memory trace.

Interleaving

Mix different topics or problem types in single study sessions instead of blocking (studying one topic completely before moving to the next). It feels harder but produces better long-term retention.

What Actually Helps

Deliberate Practice

Key elements:

• Clear, specific goals
• Immediate feedback
• Focus on weaknesses
• Push beyond comfort zone
• Full concentration required

Mindless repetition doesn't build skill. Deliberate practice does.

Growth Mindset

Believing abilities can be developed (growth mindset) is associated with better academic outcomes^[5][6].

Growth mindset: "I can improve with effort"

Fixed mindset: "My ability is innate and unchangeable"

Students with growth mindsets:

• Embrace challenges
• Persist through difficulty
• Learn from criticism
• Find inspiration in others' success

What Hurts Learning

Multitasking

Your brain doesn't really multitask – it switches rapidly between tasks, and each switch has a cost.

Better approach:

• Single-task for focused periods
• Remove phone from study area
• Block distracting websites
• Take breaks between tasks

Common Myths

Reality: Research doesn't support matching teaching to supposed learning styles. Everyone benefits from multiple modalities.

Reality: While aptitudes vary, almost anyone can develop competence in any skill with effective practice. Talent matters less than we think.

Reality: Re-reading creates familiarity, which feels like learning. Testing yourself (active recall) is far more effective, even though it feels harder.

Practical Tips

• Space your study – multiple short sessions beat one long cram session
• Test yourself – don't just re-read; practice retrieval
• Sleep on it – new information consolidates during sleep
• Focus deeply – eliminate distractions during study
• Embrace difficulty – struggling means learning is happening
• Teach others – explaining concepts cements understanding
• Mix it up – interleave different topics and problem types