Retrieval · Part 3

Key ideas

• ▸Flashcards are good for three things: triggering active retrieval, easy spacing at the fact level, and “micro-learning” in 3–7 minute pockets.
• ▸Flashcards are bad at higher-order learning, get overwhelming fast, and tempt you to memorise the card instead of the knowledge.
• ▸Human memory excels when knowledge is connected in a network — flashcards are poor at building networks.
• ▸Split long sessions (3–4h+) into three parts: targeted review, consolidation of new material, and preview.
• ▸Preview is the most important part — if forced to choose, always pick preview over review.
• ▸Aim for ~100–150 cards a week. More than that signals your encoding is holding you back.

Try his flashcard flagging system

Flip, rate your recall, and watch what happens after 3 in a row.

Do this

• Flag cards you get right 3× in a row, and (separately) wrong 3× in a row.
• Wrong-3× cards: spend 5–10 min each connecting them to prior knowledge — or delete if you don't need them.
• Right-3× cards: merge related cards into one higher-order “mega” question.
• Use cards in micro-learning pockets through the week (bus, queue, waiting for coffee).

In his words