#################################################################################### Active-Recall and Spaced-Repetition #################################################################################### (Summary from `this video `_ by Justin Sung). **DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the images used in here. They are taken from the video that Justin doodled.** ============================================================================ Takeaways ============================================================================ * Studying is not the same as learning * Studying is physical while learning is a cognitive process .. image:: ../img/004activerecall01.png :width: 600 :alt: Active-Recall 01 * Studying techniques that produce low learning are time consuming * Different techniques invoke different levels of learning * Memory going into long-term memory is called encoding * Level of encoding determines a significant amount of retention * Retrieving memory from long-term to working memory in order to use it for applications is called retrieval * Information that is in working memory instead of long term is forgotten very quickly .. image:: ../img/004activerecall02.png :width: 800 :alt: Active-Recall 02 * Active recall and spaced repetition work through adjusting the forgetting curve only through repetition .. image:: ../img/004activerecall03.png :width: 600 :alt: Active-Recall 03 .. image:: ../img/004activerecall04.png :width: 600 :alt: Active-Recall 04 * This is only working on retrieval aspect of memory only * This doesn't help with encoding * Encoding would reduce the knowledge decay of the forgetting curve to reduce the number of repetitive revisions and relearning sessions needed, therefore saving lots of time .. image:: ../img/004activerecall05.png :width: 600 :alt: Active-Recall 05 * Proper encoding also makes learning more enjoyable and engaging * Techniques that cause poor encoding and use low cognitive load are called passive techniques * A sign of passive learning is sleepiness * Techniques that cause high learning through appropriate cognitive load are called active learning techniques. There are many. * Low retention studying due to poor encoding is unsustainable to fix with repetition based techniques * Encoding involves cognitive load * Cognitive load feels uncomfortable and confusing * This is partially why so few students use encoding techniques * Another reason retrieval techniques like active recall and spaced repetition are so common is due to the Dunning Kruger effect where low knowledge causes high confidence .. image:: ../img/004activerecall06.png :width: 600 :alt: Active-Recall 06 * This combines with success bias where you don't hear about the failure stories * This then combines with availability bias where we define legitimacy by how common we are exposed to it * This creates a spiral of unknowledgeable people creating videos about common techniques that are not as effective as they claim, making it more available, increasing its perceived legitimacy * Considering that encoding is naturally difficult, this makes encoding techniques very uncommonly talked about ============================================================================ Overall Picture ============================================================================ .. image:: ../img/004activerecall07.png :width: 1000 :alt: Active-Recall 07