active recall

Active recall is a highly effective learning strategy emphasized by experts such as Cal Newport and Andrew Huberman. It involves the intentional recalling of information from memory, which strengthens memory retention and understanding.

Cal Newport shared how he revamped his study methods across different subject areas using active recall, stating he would test himself with a white piece of paper to see if he could perform certain tasks from memory, such as proofs in math. This rigorous method significantly improved his academic performance and led him to advocate for active recall through his writing, helping others achieve high learning efficiency 1.

In addition to Newport's insights, Andrew Huberman discusses similar techniques, such as reading material (be it scholarly articles or books), stepping away, and then trying to recall the learned information. He noticed a substantial improvement in retention and understanding by implementing this method, which is aligned with how the brain optimally learns 2.