12 ways to Active Recall in 12 minutes, by Mike and Matty on YouTube. 12 min 18 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 18 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 12
What you need
Steps
Before class, write down what you already know about the topic and guess the answers to likely questions. This pre-test primes your brain to notice gaps.
After reading a section, close the book and recite the key points out loud from memory. Only reopen the book to check what you missed.
During class, turn the lecture into questions in your notes instead of copying slides word for word. Answer them later without looking.
Review your notes within a day of the class. Cover the page and try to reproduce the main ideas on blank paper.
Use toggles by hiding parts of a diagram or list and recalling the hidden items. Reveal them one at a time to check yourself.
Draw a mind map from memory, then compare it with your notes and add anything you forgot in a different colour.
Explain the topic out loud to a friend or an imaginary student. Teaching forces you to find the weak spots in your understanding.
Make flashcards with one question per card and test yourself daily. Say the answer before flipping the card.
Write out lists from memory, such as causes, stages or formulas, then check the order and fill in the gaps.
Cover labels on diagrams and name each part from memory. Do the same with definitions and key terms.
Work problem sets with the solutions hidden. Attempt each question fully before checking the answer.
Sit a timed practice test under exam conditions. Mark it honestly and turn every wrong answer into a new flashcard.
Tips and common mistakes
Space your self-testing over several days rather than cramming it into one session.
Answer out loud or in writing before checking, because recognising an answer feels easier than producing it.
Keep a list of the questions you get wrong and retest those first.
Mix topics in one session so you practise choosing the right method, not just repeating one type of problem.
Questions
How often should I use active recall?
Aim for a short self-test after each class and a longer review each week. Spread the reviews out over days rather than repeating them all at once.
Do I still need to read my notes?
Yes, but read them to check your recall, not as the main way to study. Try to retrieve the information first, then look at the notes to fill gaps.
What if I cannot remember anything at first?
That is normal. Write down whatever comes to mind, check the source, and try again later. The effort of retrieving is what builds the memory.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
