Active Learning Techniques

Active Learning Techniques

Instead of passively re-reading notes or highlighting text, actively engaging with the material helps build long-term memory and understanding.

• Retrieval Practice (Self-Quizzing): Regularly quiz yourself without looking at your notes or textbook. Use flashcards (physical or digital via apps like Quizlet or Anki), turn textbook headings into questions, or "brain dump" everything you know about a topic on a blank sheet of paper and then check for accuracy.

• Elaboration (Explain and Describe): Explain concepts in your own words and make connections to other ideas or real-world examples. A highly effective method is the Feynman Technique: try to teach a concept in simple terms to someone else (or even a pet/inanimate object), and identify gaps in your understanding.

• Dual Coding (Combine Words and Visuals): Create diagrams, mind maps, flowcharts, or timelines to visually represent information and link them with descriptive words.

• Practice with Problems: For subjects like math and science, work through practice problems and explain the steps and reasoning behind them, rather than just watching someone else do it.