Repeat — techniques to lock in content

In the reinforce step of the Memletic Process, I discuss how important repetition is to the overall learning process, with some specific guidelines for incorporating repetition. While we aim to rely less on repetition as a learning technique, it's still an important ingredient in any learning program.

In this section I outline four specific techniques that rely mainly on repetition. These are rote learning, flashcards, scheduled review and programmed repetition. The first three are standard techniques in use today. Programmed repetition is a relatively new technique that I believe provides great benefits for many learning objectives. Read on to find out more.

Rote Learning

• Yes, sometimes there is information that you can only learn by repeated review.
• You should be able to keep rote learning to a minimum by creative use of other techniques outlined in this book.

Flash Cards

What are flash cards, or Paired Associate Learning (PAL)?

• How to set them up and use them.
• General tips for using flash cards, such as when and how often you should use them, how to organize large groups of cards, whether you should use them in a particular order, how to handle more difficult cards, and using other techniques to help you remember them.

Scheduled Review

• How to use a review calendar or spreadsheet to keep track of all the review you should be doing.

Programmed Repetition Tools

• Learn about a more powerful way to manage the repetition process — using software specifically for this purpose.
• Discusses one example of this software called SuperMemo, and its potential impact on the way you can learn and remember information.
• Provides a number of tips, in addition to the many tips already on the SuperMemo website.