1. The Feynman Technique

Concept: If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it

Steps:

1. Choose a concept - Pick what you want to learn
2. Teach it to a child - Explain using simple language (no jargon)
3. Identify gaps - Where did you struggle? That's what you don't know
4. Review & simplify - Go back to source material, then simplify further

Why it works: Forces you to identify weak spots and process deeply

2. Active Recall

Concept: Actively retrieve information instead of re-reading

Implementation:

• Close the book - Try to write/say what you remember
• Use flashcards - Question on front, answer on back
• Self-quizzing - Test yourself before you feel ready
• No peeking - Struggle to remember (that's where learning happens)

Why it works: Retrieval strengthens memory pathways 10x better than passive review

❌ Don't: Re-read, highlight, summarize without testing ✅ Do: Quiz, practice problems, blank-page recalls

3. Spaced Repetition

Concept: Review material at increasing intervals

Timing Schedule:

• 1st review: 1 day after learning
• 2nd review: 3 days later
• 3rd review: 7 days later
• 4th review: 14 days later
• 5th review: 30 days later

Tools: Anki, RemNote, or simple calendar reminders

Why it works: Fights forgetting curve; moves info to long-term memory

4. Interleaving

Concept: Mix different topics/problems instead of blocking

Examples:

❌ Blocked: Math problems 1-20 (all same type) ✅ Interleaved: Mix problem types randomly

❌ Blocked: Study Spanish 2 hours, then French 2 hours ✅ Interleaved: Alternate 30-min blocks of each language

Why it works: Forces your brain to discriminate between concepts; builds flexible knowledge

5. Pomodoro Technique

Concept: Work in focused sprints with strategic breaks

Method:

• 25 min focused work (one task, zero distractions)
• 5 min break (walk, stretch, water)
• After 4 pomodoros → 15-30 min long break

Rules: No phone checking, no multitasking during the 25 min

Why it works: Maintains peak focus; prevents burnout; creates urgency

6. The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle)

Concept: 80% of results come from 20% of efforts

Application:

• Identify the 20% of concepts that explain 80% of the subject
• Focus on high-frequency vocabulary, core formulas, key principles
• Ask: "What's the minimum I need to understand the rest?"

Example: In language learning - 1,000 most common words = 80% of daily conversation

Why it works: Maximizes ROI on study time; builds strong foundation fast