The big idea
🎣
If you take one technique, take this
Retrieving strengthens memory in a way re-exposure simply does not.
Learning How to Learn · Lesson 5
Retrieval Practice
beginner⏱ 17 min · 7 cards
Try it
Design the Retrieval
“A flashcard whose prompt contains most of the answer.”
Retrieval works best when it is effortful but usually successful.
Pitch the difficulty so the attempt is effortful and usually succeeds.
Formats
Retrieval is a category
Tap each.
Key term
The order matters
Check before or after the attempt?
tap to reveal ↻
After, always
Checking first turns the exercise into recognition — the thing you were trying to escape. Attempt, then check.
Nuance
Why it works
Maester Note
Every successful retrieval re-encodes the memory and strengthens the route back. Rereading creates no such pathway — it only re-presents the material.
Quick check
What is the difference between performance and learning?
You did it
Nice work
Mark this lesson complete to track your progress.