Principles
- effortful learning is deeper and more durable but might feel less productive
- all new learning requires a foundation of prior knowledge (e.g. you need to remember algebra and geometry before you can learn trigonometry)
- when you do mechanical repeating you quickly hit the limit of what you can keep in your mind
- when you practice elaboration [1] there are not known limits
Practical hints
- do periodic spaced out (get little rusty) practice of two or more different but related topics in interleaved (not sequenced) fashion
- recall facts and concepts from memory over re-reading and single-minded rapid repetition (mass practice)
- try to solve a problem (often with errors) before being taught the solution
- use different learning styles (e.g. auditory vs visual)
- use testing to identify weaknesses
- make mistakes and correct them
Sources
[1] elaboration = expressing new material in your own words and connecting it with what you already know