Are you tired of spending hours studying only to forget most of the information by the time you take the test? If so, it might be time to try the active recall study method.
What is active recall?
Active recall is a method of studying in which you actively retrieve information from your memory, rather than simply re-reading or reviewing material. This can be done through techniques such as quizzing yourself, teaching the material to someone else, or writing out the information from memory.
Why is active recall effective?
When you actively recall information, you are forcing your brain to retrieve the information from your long-term memory. This not only helps you remember the information more effectively, but it also helps to strengthen the connections in your brain, making it easier for you to retrieve the information again in the future.
In contrast, when you simply review or re-read material, you are not engaging in the same mental effort to retrieve the information. This means that you are less likely to remember the information in the long term, and it will take more effort to retrieve it later on.
How can you incorporate active recall into your study routine?
There are a few different ways you can incorporate active recall into your study routine:
- Quizzing yourself: One of the simplest ways to practice active recall is to quiz yourself on the material. You can write out flashcards with a question on one side and the answer on the other, or use a quizlet or other online tool to create a self-paced quiz.
- Teaching the material to someone else: Another effective way to practice active recall is to teach the material to someone else. This could be a friend, classmate, or even just explaining the material out loud to yourself. The act of explaining the material helps to reinforce your understanding and memory of it.
- Writing out the information from memory: Another option is to try writing out the information from memory. This could be in the form of a summary, outline, or even just a list of key points. This not only helps you practice recalling the information, but it also helps you organize your thoughts and identify any gaps in your understanding.
Try incorporating some of these active recall techniques into your study routine and see if it makes a difference in your ability to retain and recall information. Your future self (and test scores) will thank you!