Two Techniques to Help You Learn Better

Elaborative encoding and overlearning work together to enhance knowledge acquisition

I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to learn new concepts is to employ a combination of two memorization techniques: elaborative encoding and overlearning. These techniques, when used together, may be the most effective way to encode memory into long-term storage and reinforce the neuronal circuitry associated with those memories to allow more accurate future retrieval.

Elaborative encoding is the process of contextualizing newly acquired information within a framework of existing knowledge and memories to give the new information coherence and meaning.

Overlearning entails continuous and repeated review of the new concepts, preferably from multiple sources and different perspectives, even when we feel we already understand them.

When utilized within a mastery-based learning schema, in which one masters concepts before advancing to higher-level concepts, elaborative encoding and overlearning can promote rapid and thorough learning.

That these techniques be employed within a mastery-based learning framework is a crucial point because, I believe, the efficacy of combined elaborative encoding and overlearning depends on the…