I write about learning how to learn, cognitive science-based study methods and my experience learning 6 languages (from Portuguese to Mandarin Chinese)
The Real Science behind Flashcards. And: how You can help
Hi Reader,
Over the past weeks, I’ve done another deep dive into cognitive science!
This time, I set out to uncover the real science behind one of the most widely used study methods: spaced repetition flashcards.
The promise of spaced repetition is simple and appealing: improve your retention by reviewing information at optimal intervals.
But when I looked at the stats, I found that many learners over-rely on spaced repetition. 67% of students use flashcards and spaced repetition. But less than 12% take the time to organize information first. And that is where big learning performance improvements can still be made:
If you’re one of those learners who consistently review material, but find it difficult to see the bigger picture, or apply knowledge to real-world problems, I’ve written up a free guide on how to use spaced repetition to master, not memorize.
In the guide, you’ll find the actual science behind spaced repetition as well as other effective learning techniques, and a practical way of using those methods in your everyday study process.
| Check the free guide: How to use Spaced Repetition to Master not Memorize |
Do me a favor, Reader?
I’ve set out on a mission to spread the word about Traverse and about learning effectively. My main goal is to rank #1 on Google for any question related to learning better.
It’s an ambitious goal, but you can help me reach it!
How? By letting the world (and the bots at Google 🤖) know about Traverse!
If you have a personal blog, or even a social media account like Twitter, LinkedIn, FB or Instagram, post a link to Traverse with a few sentences about why it’s useful.
You can either:
-
Post a link to the Traverse home page (https://traverse.link/)
- Example: I found this cool app called Traverse which helps you learn faster using cognitive science. Check it out at https://traverse.link/
-
Post a link to my research, like the guide above (https://traverse.link/spaced-repetition)
- Example: If you use flashcards or spaced repetition, you might want to check out this article: https://traverse.link/spaced-repetition. Dom has researched the actual science behind spaced repetition and found some surprising results!
- If spaced repetition is not your cup of tea, you can also post a link to my more general guide on learning faster (https://traverse.link/meta-learning/learn-faster-based-on-science)
Let me know once you’ve posted, and I’ll be forever grateful 🙏
Or if you have any questions on where and how to post, just shoot me a message and I'll help you out.
Thanks for reading my newsletter!
Best,
Dom
Hi! I'm Dominic Zijlstra, polyglot and edtech entrepreneur
I write about learning how to learn, cognitive science-based study methods and my experience learning 6 languages (from Portuguese to Mandarin Chinese)
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