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.
Apply the techniques #
- General points on applying the techniques and noting the outcomes
- Tips for application, including keeping an open mind, and what to do when they don’t work as you expect.
Use repetition to reinforce your knowledge #
- 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.
Use refresh reviews to keep your knowledge for the long term #
- 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.
- When to do your reviews and what depth to go to.
Effective Repetition Tips #
- How to reduce reliance on rote repetition, and how to adopt practices that help you manage repetition, both during and after your training.
- Some comments on using scheduled review and programmed review techniques during your training.
- Comments on software like “SuperMemo,” and its huge potential for developing effective learning programs.