Today, a few thoughts on how your memory works and how it is structured. I spend some time talking about a system called Anki in this episode. I know many of you will think it sounds impractical, hard to learn, or like a waste of time, but give it a shot. It is one of the most exciting tools I have discovered in the last five years and has completely changed the way I study and learn. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. (And it is free!)

You can get Anki here.

Here are the show notes:

Short-term and long-term memory

* Short-term memory lasts seconds (< 30) unless refreshed. Can only store 7 +/- 2 “pieces”
* Long-term memory indefinite and infinite(?)
* Working memory? How does this all work?

Chunking

* Concept is the same as building words and sentences from letters
* Connections between information matter
* Impressive short-term memory feats come from chunking

Moving from short-term to long-term

* Old way was repetition. It sucks, but it works, with some limitations. It's also slow.
* Intensity (under correct conditions) is what matters
* Build connections
* Make sure you understand. It's hard to learn something you don't understand.
* Correct reinforcement at the right time is the best way to make knowledge permanent.
* Long term andshort term can help each other

* Mnemonics

Space repetition system

* Anki (http://ankisrs.net/)
* Flashcards, but not the flashcards you know from school
* Two parts to using the system

* Making flashcards
* Using them

* What can you put on flashcards?

* Pictures
* Words
* Sounds

* Time spent making flashcards is time spent learning. I don't think there is a lot of value in using a pre-made deck.
* What to do this week:

* Download it
* Experiment

* I'll follow up with some blog posts in coming weeks.

 

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Enjoy the show: