How we learn
Insights into human working memory, cognitive schemas, retrieval practice, and spaced repetition in medical education.
Working memory
Our working memory is what we utilize for short term tasks but everything has to pass through working memory to become long term memory.
The point is if we give a lot of information to human brain in a short time, it cannot process it.
Schema
Our brain is good at forming and finding patterns or structures that help us group pieces of information and understand how complex processes work. This is described as chunking, creating groups or sets of familiar concepts to help retrieve more information, more quickly.
We use existing experience to make sense of new information, and the more experience we have, the more short cuts we have to draw on.
Retrieval practice
- Flash cards
- Yes/no questions
- Multiple choice questions
- Short answer questions
- Free recall
Teaching others — a friend or someone less experienced — or writing the concept in your own words is the best way to move concepts to long term memory. The more you repeat, the better the neural pathways get.
Spaced Practice
Recalling information at different times and spacing out retrieval practice is significantly more beneficial.
Interleaving
Mixing up what you are learning enhances long-term retention.