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Effective repetition tips

As one of the objectives of Memletics is to reduce reliance on rote repetition, I suggest you adopt practices that help you manage repetition both during and after your training:

·  During training. Manage repetition by regularly reviewing your progress. Keep track of when you perform well, when you have difficulties, and what you do to correct those difficulties. These reviews help you apply repetition more effectively by adapting your training to what works best for you. We discuss reviews next.

You may also want to try using the Programmed Repetition technique during your training as well.

·  After training. Use the Scheduled Review technique, or continue using the Programmed Repetition technique. These techniques can help keep your review activities to a minimum, while still keeping the knowledge you have learned for the long term.

I cover the Programmed Repetition technique in more detail in the Memletic Techniques chapter, however I feel it’s worth a mention here as well. You can now get specific software tools that help you manage repetition. An example of this software is “SuperMemo.” Software like SuperMemo I believe is an important step forward for effective learning programs.

The software allows you to capture question-answer type content while you study. You then spend a few minutes on the software each day. How much time you spend depends on how much new material you are learning, and how well you remember it. The software decides what questions to ask you by analyzing how well you remember the answers. If you remember something well, it doesn’t test you often (it may eventually ask you once every six or twelve months, if not longer). If you continue to forget the item though, it asks you more often until you do remember the answer.

This approach makes standard review methods look ancient in comparison. While there is still more work needed in this area, it’s a great step forward for those who want to keep what they learn while making effective use of their time.