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Study smarter: retrieval, spacing and mixing

By Michael Ukwuma

Three study habits with the strongest research behind them, turned into a daily routine.

Rereading feels productive. Highlighting feels productive. Researchers who reviewed the most common study methods rated both of them low in usefulness. The two methods they rated highest were practice testing and spreading practice over time.

So let's use them on purpose.

Retrieval: pull it out of your head

Every time you recall something without looking, you make it stronger. So instead of rereading your phrase bank, cover it and try to write the phrases from memory. Instead of rereading a lesson, close it and explain the main points aloud.

• Vocabulary: flashcards, word on the front, meaning and an example sentence on the back.
• Strategy: before a practice task, recall the frame for that task without looking.
• Reading and Listening: after checking answers, explain why each wrong option is wrong.

The rest of this lesson is part of full access.