Many students stop studying as soon as they think they know the material. However, research shows that “overlearning” – continuing to review even after just learning it – is a great way to ensure that you remember the information longer and better.

When you study, go beyond bare mastery or recall. Keep reviewing the same material at least 50% longer if possible.

Let me give you an example. Suppose you are studying math formulas for an engineering exam. You spend 2 hours studying and practicing the formulas. At that point you feel you have the formulas memorized and you understand how to use them. Don’t quit studying the formulas at that point!

Even though you’ve achieved bare mastery of the formulas, by the time you must recall and use them on an exam you are likely to forget some of the details. Instead, keep studying the same formulas for at least 1 hour more. This extra hour is your valuable “overlearning” time.

The overlearning effect is one reason why cramming for an exam does not work well. You have barely learned the material, so it is quickly forgotten.

Obviously you need to set aside enough study time in advance if you plan to overlearn. If you do, you will be rewarded later when you more easily and completely recall the material you wanted to remember.

For more tips and strategies for improving your memory, see my site

Memory-Improvement-Tips.com

Have a great week!

Douglas