Active Recall
A learning principle where you stimulate your memory for a piece of information during the learning process, as opposed to passively reviewing it.
Active recall is one of the most effective learning techniques known to cognitive science. Instead of reading and re-reading a textbook (passive review), active recall involves retrieving information from your brain.
Why it works
When you force your brain to retrieve a memory, you strengthen the neural connections associated with that information. This makes it easier to retrieve in the future. It essentially tells your brain, "This information is important, keep it accessible."
How to use it
- Practice Questions: Answering questions before looking up the answer.
- Flashcards: Using tools like Anki to test your knowledge.
- The Feynman Technique: Trying to explain a concept in simple terms from memory.