Deep Learning & Retention

Core Principles
Retrieval
Test before ready. Difficulty builds strength.
Spacing
Return when forgetting begins.
Interleaving
Mix topics to build discrimination.
Practice Cycle
Define edge
Focused rep
Feedback
Adjust
Before
  • Survey structure
  • Generate questions
  • Activate prior knowledge
During
  • Mark confusion
  • Paraphrase margins
  • Quiz per section
Techniques (By Effectiveness)
  1. Blank page recall — No notes
  2. Teach aloud — To audience
  3. Novel application — New context
  4. Generate analogies — Different domain
  5. Create contrasts — Is vs. isn't
Model Check
Explain to: Novice · Peer · Critic
Avoid Illusions
❌ Fluency Trap
Rereading feels smooth but recognition ≠ recall
✓ True Test
Close book, generate from memory
Reading Levels
Elementary
Inspectional
Analytical
Syntopical
Spacing Schedule
  • Day 1: Learn + recall
  • Day 3: Retrieval #1
  • Day 7: Retrieval #2
  • Day 14: New problem
  • Day 30: Synthesis
Practice Structure
Blocking (Weak)
A-A-A / B-B-B
Easy now, fades fast
Interleaving (Strong)
A-B-A-C-B
Hard now, lasts longer
Daily Habits