Learning topics better when varied and spaced

Science 2.0 - How To Learn From Robert Bjork, Director of UCLA Learning and Forgetting lab

The brief recollection of the interview gives some strategies for learning, starting with "interleaving". Bits of skill or parts of a topic should be mixed between each other-- like overlaid leaves-- rather than intense study devoted to one part topic, then the next, and so on. The example is to forgo studying a tennis serve exclusively and then work on footwork exclusively, but to mix up the various skills continuously. The argument is that the continuous buildup of these varied skills will "sum" to greater mastery than focused, exclusive, turn-taking study. Another tip: study in a variety of places, to dissociate your learning from a specific location. Along the same line as the previous ones, Bjork talks about studying, then waiting, then studying again. If you are able to retrieve what you learned the first time during the second session, learning should be stronger. The hypothesis is that successful retrieval (of information) strengthens the process for the future. This is harder work, but the theme is that the harder the work, the greater the learning. For instance, try taking notes after class rather than during: more work, but using the retrieval should strengthen the command of what was learned.