Have you ever finished an online course—only to realize weeks later that most of the material has slipped from your memory? You’re not alone. Many learners invest time and energy but miss out on deep understanding because they haven’t yet discovered learning strategies that truly work for *them*. At LessonS, where we believe in 'Learn Something New Every Day', we know that success isn’t about how many hours you study—it’s about how wisely you study. The good news? Effective learning strategies are simple, science-supported, and completely within your reach.
Spaced Repetition: Learn More by Reviewing Less
Instead of cramming before a quiz, try spacing out your reviews over days or weeks. This technique leverages the 'spacing effect'—a well-documented cognitive principle showing that information reviewed at increasing intervals sticks longer. Tools like flashcards (digital or paper) or apps with built-in spaced repetition algorithms make this easy. When reviewing a course module, revisit key concepts after 1 day, then 3 days, then 1 week. You’ll spend less time overall—and remember far more.
Active Recall: Test Yourself, Not Just Reread
Rereading notes feels productive—but it’s passive. Active recall asks your brain to retrieve information without cues, strengthening neural pathways. After watching a lesson video, close the tab and write down three key takeaways. Or use self-quizzing: cover your notes and ask, 'What were the three steps in this process?' Research consistently shows that active recall boosts long-term retention more than highlighting or summarizing alone. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about giving your brain practice at remembering.
Interleaving: Mix It Up to Master It
Instead of practicing one skill repeatedly (like solving 20 algebra problems in a row), mix different types of problems or topics in a single session. This is called interleaving—and while it may feel harder at first, it dramatically improves your ability to recognize *which* strategy to apply when. For example, in a coding course, alternate between debugging exercises, syntax drills, and logic puzzles. Your brain builds stronger discrimination skills, leading to deeper learning and better performance on real-world tasks.
Teach It Forward: Explain to Learn
One of the most powerful learning strategies is also the most accessible: explain what you’ve learned—to a friend, a pet, or even your reflection in the mirror. Teaching forces you to organize ideas, identify gaps, and simplify complexity. Try recording a 60-second voice note summarizing today’s lesson as if you were tutoring a beginner. You’ll spot misunderstandings instantly—and solidify your own grasp in the process.
Great learning doesn’t require genius—it requires intention. Start small: pick just *one* of these learning strategies this week. Use spaced repetition for your next vocabulary list. Try active recall after your next LessonS video. Notice how it changes your confidence—and your results. Remember: every expert was once a beginner who chose to learn *strategically*. At LessonS, we’re here to support you—not just with great courses, but with the tools to make them stick. So go ahead: learn something new today… and learn it well.