Understanding the Optimal Moments for Employing 'Restricted Practice' Methods (and When to Steer Clear)
When you're preparing for a class, you need to plan your study tactics to decide how much time to dedicate, the pace at which you study, and how well you retain the info, not forgetting the duration of the retention. Generally, I advise scheduled learning, which entails going over the same subject multiple times at different periods. By extending your study sessions, you implant the information deeper in your memory, making it easier to retrieve when needed. However, there are instances when concentrated learning, its opposite, can be beneficial.
What is "scheduled" and "concentrated" learning?
Scheduled learning, often referred to as spaced repetition, encourages studies and reviews of the same topic at various intervals. By spacing out your study periods, you deeply embed the info in your memory, making it readily available in needful moments. It requires some foresight: Based on research, the most effective method for maximum retention is to study the same topic every 10% to 30% of the time required to retain it. For instance, if you have a test in 10 days, you'll study every 1 to 3 days until the test. Moreover, you usually combine this with "blended learning", or the mixing of different topics in your study sessions, which enhances categorization of the information and problem-solving skills. With a mix of scheduled learning and blended learning, you'll study in small chunks daily, but each chunk will be divided amongst various topics or ideas, thus stimulating your brain fully.
Concentrated learning (or massed learning) is the opposite: It consists of studying one topic at a stretch, for an extended period. In essence, it's a synonym for "cramming." There's minimal space for blended learning, and you're typically under pressure, with an exam or significant event approaching. Paradoxically, researchers have discovered that the most accurate definition of concentrated learning is studying the same information repeatedly without shifting to alternative subjects.
When to employ scheduled or concentrated learning
While spaced repetition is generally known for enhancing information retention, there are still some advantages to utilizing concentrated learning in specified situations. For one, it leads to quicker skill acquisition that's balanced by the limitations it imposes on long-term retention or the ability to apply information to new contexts days after studying. In other words, if you opt for concentrated learning, you'll learn the material swiftly, but you won't retain it as long or be able to apply it to situations other than those you've studied.
In this case, concentrated learning works well if your sole goal is to score high on a test and the test is quickly approaching. If your assessment is based on specific knowledge without the chance to apply it broadly, concentrated learning is completely acceptable. To maximize its utility, try using the Pomodoro technique to divide your cram session into manageable chunks, studying for 25 minutes and taking five-minute breaks. Obtain a Pomodoro timer to keep you on track and prevent distractions. If you're cramming, focus and persevere, even if it's very last-minute or your objective is to thoroughly grasp the knowledge till the test.
If the content will reoccur throughout the class or your studies in a more extended period, or if you're asked to think creatively and apply the knowledge beyond the situations you've reviewed, opt for scheduled learning when possible. Use a study schedule to determine which days you should study based on your test date and collect some flashcards too, enabling you to implement the Leitner method, a flashcard system based on spaced repetition, which aids in embedding your materials in your long-term memory. The planner and flashcards may seem outdated, but writing information down instead of typing it improves memory retention, and since you're utilizing spaced repetition, you have time.
Despite the benefits of scheduled learning, there might be occasions where family commitments may lead to blocked practice studying sessions. For instance, you might need to attend a family event or help with a family emergency, which could disrupt your study schedule.
On the other hand, concentrated learning, which involves intense and uninterrupted study sessions, can sometimes be challenging to implement due to family distractions or responsibilities. For example, trying to focus on a cram session while dealing with family-related issues can be quite difficult.
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