Benedict Carey

How We Learn

1. IDEA 1

   Common study habits may be wrong

   Carey, a science journalist, reviews research on memory and learning. He argues that many familiar study habits, such as studying in one place and cramming, are less effective than surprising alternatives.

2. IDEA 2

   Forgetting can help memory

   Carey explains research showing that some forgetting makes later relearning stronger. Memory is not like a filing cabinet. In his account, research suggests that letting information fade a little makes the brain work harder when it returns, which strengthens it.

3. IDEA 3

   Spacing beats cramming

   Carey describes the spacing effect: studying in sessions spread over time leads to better long-term memory than cramming. In his account, research suggests that the brain keeps what it meets again after a gap better than what it meets in one burst.

All 8 ideas from How We Learn →