How to Use Active Recall to Ace Your Exams

TL;DR

Active recall is an effective study technique that aids memory retention by requiring you to retrieve information without looking at your notes. You can implement it using handwritten questions and answers, digital spreadsheets with space repetition, or digital flashcards. Improving your note-taking skills can further enhance the effectiveness of active recall.

Transcript

• Hey there guys, it's Mike and Matty. Today, we're talking about active recall. It's one of the best scientifically proven strategies that you can use to learn effectively and get the best grades possible. So we'll talk about what it is, and then we'll give you three ways that you can use it in your studies. (camera snaps) ♪ Hit it ♪ (upbeat music... Read More

Key Insights

• 👍 Active recall is a scientifically proven study strategy that involves retrieving information from memory without looking at notes or textbooks.
• 💨 Compared to passive learning strategies like rereading notes, active recall requires more cognitive effort and engages the brain in a way that enhances memory retention.
• 🤗 There are multiple methods to implement active recall, including hand-written questions and answers, digital spreadsheets with space repetition, and digital flashcards with software like RemNote, ANKI, or Quizlet.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is active recall?

Active recall is a study technique where you retrieve information from memory by answering questions based on the material, without looking at your notes or textbooks. It requires cognitive effort and enhances memory retention.

Q: How does using hand-written questions and answers work for active recall?

By splitting your page into two columns and writing questions on the left and answers on the right, you can use active recall when reviewing. By covering the answers and trying to answer the questions from memory, you engage in active retrieval and improve your learning.

Q: How can digital spreadsheets be used for active recall?

Digital spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets can be used for active recall by creating two columns, one for questions and one for answers. By highlighting and hiding the answer column, you can practice answering questions from memory. You can also incorporate space repetition by color-coding the questions based on when you need to review them.

Q: Why are digital flashcards recommended for active recall?

Digital flashcards are ideal for active recall because they eliminate the possibility of cheating by not showing the answer side. Making digital flashcards also saves time and space, and programs like RemNote, ANKI, or Quizlet offer features like spaced repetition and efficient search functions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Active recall involves remembering information by answering questions based on the material, rather than passively rereading notes.

• There are three methods to implement active recall: using hand-written questions and answers, using digital spreadsheets with space repetition, and using digital flashcards with a spaced repetition software like RemNote, ANKI, or Quizlet.

• Good note-taking skills and strategies like SQ3R can enhance the effectiveness of active recall.