Make It Stick

Replace rereading with self-testing and quizzing to actively retrieve information from memory.

Space out study sessions instead of cramming to allow for forgetting and subsequent strengthening of memory during retrieval.

Interleave the study of different but related subjects to improve the ability to discriminate between them.

Attempt to solve problems before receiving instruction to enhance understanding and retention.

Relate new information to existing knowledge and experiences to create meaningful connections.

Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and adjust study strategies accordingly.

Use flashcards or other retrieval-based methods to regularly practice recalling key concepts.

Seek out challenging learning experiences that require effort and problem-solving.

Implement regular self-testing using flashcards or practice questions to reinforce learning.

Space out study sessions to allow for some forgetting to occur between retrieval attempts.

Incorporate reflection into your learning process by revisiting past experiences and mentally rehearsing improvements.

Use low-stakes quizzes to assess understanding and identify areas needing further study.

Delay feedback on practice tests to encourage deeper cognitive processing.

Focus on effortful retrieval methods, such as essay writing or short-answer questions, rather than relying solely on multiple-choice tests.

Apply retrieval practice to various learning domains, including facts, concepts, problem-solving, and motor skills.

Encourage students to embrace testing as a tool for learning, not just assessment.

Design learning programs that integrate frequent, low-stakes testing to improve retention and reduce test anxiety.

Actively seek opportunities to apply learned knowledge in new contexts to enhance transfer and problem-solving skills.

Space out your study sessions to allow for memory consolidation.

Interleave different subjects or skills during practice to improve discrimination and versatility.

Vary your practice conditions to enhance adaptability and transfer of learning.

Incorporate regular reflection into your learning routine to analyze experiences and identify areas for improvement.

Use flashcards with a spaced repetition system to reinforce learning.

Mix up practice drills and exercises to avoid the trap of blocked practice.

Challenge yourself to recall information from previous sessions to strengthen memory retrieval.

Incorporate spaced repetition into your study or practice routine, revisiting material at increasing intervals.

Interleave different subjects or skills during practice sessions to enhance discrimination and create stronger connections.

Actively try to solve problems or answer questions before consulting resources or seeking guidance.

Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and analyze errors to identify areas for improvement.

Regularly reflect on your learning experiences, identifying key ideas, examples, and connections to prior knowledge.

When learning new skills, focus on building mental models through varied practice conditions.

Reframe your mindset to view intellectual ability as malleable and within your control, rather than fixed.

Deliberately seek out challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone and foster growth.

Implement regular self-testing and retrieval practice to identify gaps in knowledge.

Actively seek feedback from peers and mentors to gain an outside perspective on your performance.

Challenge your assumptions and mental models by considering alternative viewpoints.

Practice explaining concepts in your own words to strengthen comprehension.

Use simulation tools or role-playing to prepare for real-world scenarios.

Maintain a learning journal to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Space out study sessions and vary practice methods to enhance retention.

Pay attention to the cues you’re using to judge what you have learned.

Create mental models of the material that integrates the various ideas across a text, connects them to what you already know, and enables you to draw inferences.

Actively seek out knowledge and take charge of your own learning journey.

Practice extracting underlying principles from new experiences and build mental structures to organize information.

Cultivate a growth mindset by believing in your ability to learn and improve.

Use dynamic testing to identify weaknesses and focus on improving them.

Adopt active learning strategies like retrieval practice, spacing, and interleaving.

Break down complex ideas into their component parts and create a framework or scaffold to hold them together.

Reflect on your experiences and turn them into stories to strengthen learning and isolate key ideas.

Embrace the notion of successful intelligence and tap into all of your intelligences to master new skills.

Identify a skill you want to improve and dedicate time to deliberate practice, focusing on specific areas for improvement.

Adopt a growth mindset by challenging limiting beliefs and viewing failures as opportunities for learning.

Create a memory palace to organize and recall important information for a specific subject or task.

Seek out challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone to build new neural connections and expand your abilities.

Reflect on your learning goals and adjust your approach based on feedback and setbacks.

When learning new material, first master the concepts, then use mnemonic devices to organize the information for ready retrieval.

Practice active recall by regularly testing yourself on what you've learned, strengthening memory and understanding.

Cultivate self-discipline and persistence by setting realistic goals and celebrating small achievements along the way.

Replace rereading with self-quizzing as your primary study method: pause regularly to ask yourself questions about the material without looking at the text.

Create a spaced practice schedule: review new material shortly after the initial encounter, then revisit it at increasing intervals (days, weeks, months).

Interleave your study sessions: mix up different problem types or subjects to challenge your ability to discriminate and apply the correct solutions.

Elaborate on new concepts: relate them to what you already know, explain them to someone else, or create visual metaphors to deepen understanding.

Reflect on your learning: take a few minutes after each class or learning experience to review what you learned, identify what went well, and consider what could be improved.

Use practice tests to calibrate your understanding: answer all questions and check your answers to identify areas where you need to focus your studying.

When encountering writer’s block or a learning obstacle, try writing a 'Dear Mother' letter to identify the problem and clarify your thoughts.