Reinforce — build brain networks for the long term
The reinforce step involves applying the techniques you have selected and prepared for during
the previous Arrange step. The previous arrange step prepared material for your brain. This step
is where you change your brain for long term memorization.
The reinforce step involves three activities. These are applying the techniques, using
repetition, and then continuing with refresh reviews. The following diagram outlines these
stages. This is an example timeframe. Your individual course may vary in length and timing.
Think of repetition as building your brain networks, and refresh reviews as preserving them
for the long term. Usually you will have an exam or test to complete as part of a course, so
this may be a good point to split these tasks. You may choose any point you like.
In this section, I cover these tasks in more detail. I also discuss some points on effective
repetition, including some information on helpful software.
A comprehensive guide to the use of repetition during learning, and how to make sure your
repetitions are most effective.
Why spacing is so important in your learning schedule.
How to apply repetition principles in your own training. Three tips are to spread
repetition, use the Memletic techniques to support repetition, and to reduce repetition over
time.
Find out why cramming is ineffective, how to introduce variety and interference, and why
overlearning can help.
How to use refresh reviews to keep what you know for the long term.
Provides a graph that demonstrates the impact of forgetting, including how much we
typically forget within the first twenty-four hours of the first lesson.
Outlines a major deficiency in current training approaches — the focus on the exam or
test, and no long term review.
How long to spend on refresh reviews.
What to review — which knowledge types are forgotten faster.
