What is the best methot for learning and offset forgetting: test right after the study session or test after a certain period? If the second option, then how long after the study session should one test himself?

The timing of testing is crucial for optimizing memory retention. According to Andrew Huberman, immediate testing after a study session significantly enhances long-term retention. Studies show that those who tested themselves soon after exposure to new material and then again after a long delay performed better than those who tested only after a long delay or who cried to cram everything before a big test 1.

In terms of specific strategies, self-testing shortly after learning (within the same day or the next day) can result in a remarkable improvement in retention, about 50% better than if not tested at all 2. This approach helps consolidate information within neural circuits, thus offsetting natural forgetting processes and promoting better learning outcomes.

The concept of self-testing soon after exposure to the material is not only to evaluate knowledge but to act as a crucial step in the learning process, facilitating deeper integration of the material into one's memory 3. Frequent testing, even if one doesn't perform perfectly, helps lock the material into memory over the long term 4.

Hence, the best method is to test yourself soon after learning and incorporate additional testing sessions over time to reinforce knowledge.