---
name: learning-science
description: 'Spaced repetition, active recall, interleaving, dual coding, metacognition, and study techniques'
metadata:
  author: cosmicstack-labs
  version: 1.0.0
  category: education-learning
  tags: [learning, science, memory, study-techniques, education]
---

# Learning Science

Evidence-based techniques that make learning stick.

## Core Techniques

### 1. Active Recall
**What**: Test yourself instead of re-reading.
**Why**: Retrieving information strengthens neural pathways.

*Instead of re-reading notes → Close the book and summarize from memory.*

### 2. Spaced Repetition
| Review | Timing |
|--------|--------|
| First | 1 day |
| Second | 3 days |
| Third | 1 week |
| Fourth | 2 weeks |
| Fifth | 1 month |

**Tool**: Anki or any spaced repetition app.

### 3. Interleaving
**What**: Mix different topics in one study session.
**Why**: Forces brain to discriminate between concepts.

*Instead of "Chapter 1 problems all day" → Mix Chapter 1, 2, and 3 problems.*

### 4. Dual Coding
**What**: Combine words and visuals.
**Why**: Two mental representations = stronger memory.

*Draw diagrams, mind maps, flowcharts — not just text notes.*

### 5. Elaboration
**What**: Explain concepts in your own words with examples.
**Why**: Deeper processing creates richer memory traces.

*"How would I explain this to a 10-year-old? What's a real-world example?"*

## Study Session Structure

### Pomodoro + Active Recall
```
25 min focused study (active recall, no passive reading)
5 min break (stand, stretch, hydrate)
25 min active practice (problems, self-test)
5 min break
25 min review/spaced repetition
```

## Metacognition
- **Before studying**: What do I already know? What's my goal?
- **During**: Am I understanding this? Should I re-read or practice?
- **After**: What worked? What was confusing? What should I review tomorrow?

## Common Myths
❌ Learning styles (visual/auditory/kinesthetic) are not supported by evidence
❌ Highlighting and re-reading are low-utility techniques
❌ Multitasking impairs learning — single-task
✅ Struggle is part of learning — desirable difficulties