Active recall
Instead of rereading, close the book and try to recall what you learned. Retrieval strengthens memory far more than review.
Spaced repetition
Review just before you’d forget — after a day, then a few days, then a week. Flashcard apps can schedule this for you.
Deliberate practice
Work at the edge of your ability on a specific sub-skill, get quick feedback, and adjust. Ten focused minutes beat an hour of autopilot.
Teach it
Explaining a topic in plain words exposes gaps fast. If you can’t explain it simply, revisit that part.
Your 15-minute plan
- Pick one small, concrete outcome.
- Spend 5 minutes learning.
- Spend 10 minutes doing and self-testing.
- Note one thing to review tomorrow.
Protect your focus
Silence notifications, set a timer, and sleep well — sleep is when much of memory consolidation happens.