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Learning Science

How to learn - the evidence, not the folklore. The techniques that actually move retention (retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, elaboration, desirable difficulties), the metacognition to know what you really know, an honest look at what does NOT work, and the focus and deliberate practice underneath it all. Taught with the very features that embody it: study each deck in the mode it describes.

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Spacing & the Forgetting Curve15 cards — step 1 of 9

Learning Science — how to learn — pathThe evidence on how to learn, taught through the very features that embody it — nine decks, a practice exam, a due-review session, and the confidence-calibration dashboard.

Flashcard decks

9 decks · 136 cards · in study order

1Spacing & the Forgetting CurveWhy cramming fails and spacing wins - Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve, the spacing effect, expanding intervals, and how a spaced-repetition algorithm schedules reviews for you.15 2Retrieval Practice (the Testing Effect)The highest-leverage study technique: recalling from memory beats re-reading. The testing effect, why it works, and how to build retrieval into everything you study.15 3Interleaving vs BlockingMixing problem types in one session feels harder and works better. Interleaving, the discrimination benefit, why blocked practice fools you, and where it helps most.15 4Elaboration & the Generation EffectMake it yours: explaining ideas in your own words and generating answers before you see them. Elaborative interrogation, self-explanation, the generation effect, and the Feynman technique.15 5Desirable DifficultiesBjork's principle that conditions which make learning feel harder and slower often make it stronger and more durable. Which difficulties help, which just hurt, and the fluency trap.15 6Metacognition & Illusions of CompetenceKnowing what you actually know: monitoring accuracy, judgments of learning, calibration, overconfidence, and how to fix a miscalibrated sense of mastery.15 7What Doesn't Work (Low-Utility Techniques)The popular study habits research rates low-utility - rereading, highlighting, massed cramming, and learning-styles - why they feel effective, and what to do instead.15 8Deep Work & AttentionThe container for all learning: sustained, distraction-free concentration. Attention residue, the multitasking myth, deliberate rest, and building a focus practice (Newport).15 9Deliberate Practice & MindsetHow expertise is actually built: Ericsson's deliberate practice - focused reps at the edge of your ability with immediate feedback - plus growth mindset and grit, with honest caveats.16

Practice exams

1 set

Learning Science Practice ExamA recall-layer exam over the evidence-based principles of learning: retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, elaboration, desirable difficulties, metacognition, what does NOT work, and focus & deliberate practice. Draws 20 questions per attempt from the pool, scored at 70% with a 25-minute soft timer, with a per-topic weak-area breakdown. Original 5-choice questions with worked explanations. Progress saves in your browser - no login.