Learning Science

Learning Science

Evidence-based techniques that make learning stick.

Core Techniques

1. Active Recall

What: Test yourself instead of re-reading.

Why: Retrieving information strengthens neural pathways.

*Instead of re-reading notes → Close the book and summarize from memory.*

2. Spaced Repetition

| Review | Timing |

|--------|--------|

| First | 1 day |

| Second | 3 days |

| Third | 1 week |

| Fourth | 2 weeks |

| Fifth | 1 month |

Tool: Anki or any spaced repetition app.

3. Interleaving

What: Mix different topics in one study session.

Why: Forces brain to discriminate between concepts.

*Instead of "Chapter 1 problems all day" → Mix Chapter 1, 2, and 3 problems.*

4. Dual Coding

What: Combine words and visuals.

Why: Two mental representations = stronger memory.

*Draw diagrams, mind maps, flowcharts — not just text notes.*

5. Elaboration

What: Explain concepts in your own words with examples.

Why: Deeper processing creates richer memory traces.

*"How would I explain this to a 10-year-old? What's a real-world example?"*

Study Session Structure

Pomodoro + Active Recall

25 min focused study (active recall, no passive reading)
5 min break (stand, stretch, hydrate)
25 min active practice (problems, self-test)
5 min break
25 min review/spaced repetition

Metacognition

• Before studying: What do I already know? What's my goal?
• During: Am I understanding this? Should I re-read or practice?
• After: What worked? What was confusing? What should I review tomorrow?

Common Myths

❌ Learning styles (visual/auditory/kinesthetic) are not supported by evidence

❌ Highlighting and re-reading are low-utility techniques

❌ Multitasking impairs learning — single-task

✅ Struggle is part of learning — desirable difficulties