Two Key Ideas in Cognitive Psychology for Effective Memory Practices

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The observation of the forgetting curve suggests that we forget information over time, but testing ourselves on that information can slow down the rate of forgetting.
The spacing effect shows that spreading out study sessions over time is more effective for retention compared to cramming.
Combining the forgetting curve with the spacing effect can lead to optimal learning and retention strategies, such as testing knowledge at intervals and gradually increasing the time between exposures.
By implementing these memory practices, it is possible to retain information for years with minimal practice time.

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How can we accelerate learning? Is spaced repetition the best way to absorb information over the long term? Do we always read non-fiction works with the goal of learning? What are some less common but perhaps more valuable types of information that can be put on flash cards? What sorts of things are worth remembering anyway? Why is it important to commit some ideas to memory when so much information is easily findable on the internet? What benefits are derived from being involved in all stages of a project pipeline from concept to execution (as opposed to being involved only in one part, like the research phase)? Why should more researchers be involved in para-academic projects? Where can one find funding for para-academic research?

Andy Matuschak invents tools that expand what people can think and do. His current research focuses on a new written medium which makes it much easier to remember what you read. In previous roles, Andy led R&D at Khan Academy and helped build iOS at Apple. You can read more about his work at andymatuschak.org and follow him on Twitter at @andy_matuschak.

Staff