If traditional study techniques like rereading or cramming don’t work for long-term learning, then what does? In this article, inspired by Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning and insights from neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, we’ll explore evidence-based strategies that improve retention, understanding, and application of knowledge. By understanding why these methods work and integrating neuroscience-backed tools, you can adopt smarter learning habits for lasting success.

1. Active Recall: Pulling Knowledge Out, Not Just Putting It In

• What It Is: Testing yourself on material without looking at your notes or textbook.

• Why It Works: Active recall forces your brain to retrieve information, strengthening neural pathways. This process enhances memory retention far more effectively than passively reviewing notes.

• How to Apply: After studying a topic, close your book and try to summarize key concepts or answer potential test questions. Use flashcards or quiz apps for additional practice.

2. Spaced Repetition: Spreading Out Your Study Sessions

• What It Is: Reviewing material over increasing intervals of time.

• Why It Works: Spaced repetition leverages the “forgetting curve,” helping you revisit information just as you’re about to forget it. This repeated exposure over time solidifies knowledge in your long-term memory.

• How to Apply: Use apps like Anki or set a study schedule that revisits material periodically—daily at first, then weekly, then monthly.

3. Interleaved Practice: Mix It Up

• What It Is: Alternating between different topics or skills during study sessions.

• Why It Works: Mixing topics helps you learn to apply knowledge in varied contexts, making it easier to adapt to new problems. This approach prevents “overfitting” your understanding to a single type of task.

• How to Apply: If studying math, alternate between algebra, geometry, and calculus problems instead of focusing on just one topic.

4. Elaboration: Connecting New Knowledge to What You Already Know

• What It Is: Expanding on material by explaining it in your own words or relating it to existing knowledge.

• Why It Works: Elaboration deepens understanding by integrating new ideas into your mental framework. It encourages critical thinking and makes information more meaningful.

• How to Apply: After learning a new concept, write a brief explanation as if you were teaching it to someone else. Include real-world examples or analogies to make it relatable.

5. Generation: Attempting Before Learning

• What It Is: Trying to solve a problem or answer a question before being taught the solution.

• Why It Works: The act of generating an answer, even if incorrect, primes your brain to learn the correct solution. This active engagement enhances retention and problem-solving skills.

• How to Apply: Before reading a solution, try to solve a problem on your own. Attempting the challenge makes the correct answer stick better when you finally learn it.

6. Dual Coding: Pairing Words with Visuals

• What It Is: Combining verbal information with complementary visual aids like charts, diagrams, or images.

• Why It Works: Using multiple modes of input (visual and textual) reinforces memory by engaging different parts of the brain.

• How to Apply: Create mind maps, sketch diagrams, or find infographics to accompany the material you’re studying.

7. Concrete Examples: Turning Abstract Ideas Into Reality

• What It Is: Using specific, tangible examples to illustrate abstract concepts.

• Why It Works: Examples provide a relatable context, making it easier to grasp and remember complex ideas.

• How to Apply: When studying principles, like Newton’s laws, relate them to everyday scenarios, such as pushing a shopping cart or riding a bike.

8. Effortful Practice: Embracing Difficulty

• What It Is: Engaging in study methods that require mental effort, like solving challenging problems or tackling new material.

• Why It Works: Struggling with material signals your brain to focus and adapt, creating stronger connections. Easier methods, like rereading, don’t demand enough cognitive effort to create lasting change.

• How to Apply: Seek out problems slightly above your current skill level. When reviewing, focus on what you don’t know rather than revisiting familiar material.

9. Reflection: Learning Through Review

• What It Is: Taking time to review what you’ve learned, identifying successes and areas for improvement.

• Why It Works: Reflection consolidates knowledge and promotes self-awareness in learning. It helps you adjust strategies for better outcomes in the future.

• How to Apply: After studying, write down what you’ve learned, how you learned it, and what strategies worked best.

10. Incorporating the Role of Neuroplasticity (From Huberman Lab Insights)

• What It Is: Leveraging the brain’s ability to rewire itself by engaging in deliberate and focused practice.

• Why It Works: Dr. Andrew Huberman emphasizes that learning is optimized when paired with focus, a reward system, and rest. These principles activate neuroplasticity, enhancing the brain’s ability to adapt and grow.

• How to Apply:

• Focus: Limit distractions and set dedicated learning sessions (Huberman suggests 90-minute blocks).

• Rewards: After completing a task, take a moment to acknowledge your effort. This dopamine release reinforces the habit of learning.

• Rest: Sleep is critical for consolidating memory. Huberman notes that both sleep and short breaks (even naps) during the day can solidify what you’ve learned.

Conclusion: Learning That Sticks

Effective learning isn’t about working harder but working smarter. By integrating strategies from Make It Stick and neuroscience insights from Dr. Andrew Huberman, you can build a foundation of knowledge that lasts a lifetime. These methods go beyond traditional study habits, promoting deeper understanding and lasting memory.

Don’t just take our word for it—try these techniques yourself and see the difference they make in your learning journey. Remember, learning isn’t about cramming facts but mastering concepts in a way that truly sticks.

Sources:

• Brown, P.C., Roediger III, H.L., & McDaniel, M.A. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning.

• Huberman Lab Podcast, “How to Learn Faster and Remember More,” hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman.