Study Glossary

A learning technique where you review material at increasing intervals over time. Instead of cramming everything at once, you space out your reviews strategically to maximize long-term retention. The intervals increase each time you successfully recall the information. Research shows spaced repetition can improve retention by 40% compared to massed practice (cramming).

A study technique where you actively retrieve information from memory rather than passively reviewing it. Instead of re-reading notes, you test yourself by trying to recall information without looking at the source material. Research shows active recall improves test scores by 50% compared to passive methods like re-reading. This strengthens memory pathways and improves retention significantly.

A structured schedule that outlines what, when, and how you'll study. A good learning plan includes specific goals, time blocks for different subjects, review schedules, and milestones. It helps you stay organized and ensures consistent progress toward your learning objectives.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is technology that converts handwritten or printed text into digital format. You take a photo of your notes, and OCR software recognizes and extracts the text, making it searchable, editable, and ready for further processing by AI tools. Modern OCR can accurately read handwritten notes, printed documents, and even complex layouts.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) note-taking uses technology to convert handwritten or printed text into digital format. You take a photo of your notes, and OCR software recognizes and extracts the text, making it searchable, editable, and ready for further processing by AI tools.

AI note-taking uses artificial intelligence to enhance the note-taking process. AI can automatically transcribe lectures, organize notes by topic, generate summaries, extract key concepts, create flashcards, and provide intelligent search. This technology transforms passive note-taking into an active learning system that helps you study more effectively.

The process of creating flashcards—study cards with a question on one side and an answer on the other. Traditional flashcard creation involves manually writing questions and answers, which is time-consuming. Modern AI-powered tools can automatically generate flashcards from your notes, saving hours while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all topics.

A time management method that breaks work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Each interval is called a 'pomodoro' (Italian for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer). After four pomodoros, you take a longer break. This technique helps maintain focus and prevents burnout during long study sessions.

A study tool consisting of a question on one side and an answer on the other. Flashcards are used for active recall practice and are most effective when used with spaced repetition. They can be physical cards or digital, and are ideal for memorizing facts, definitions, formulas, and vocabulary.

A structured note-taking system that divides your page into three sections: a narrow left column for cues/questions, a wide right column for notes, and a bottom section for summary. This method encourages active engagement and makes review more effective.

A learning technique named after physicist Richard Feynman. The method involves explaining a concept in simple terms as if teaching it to someone else. If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. This technique reveals knowledge gaps and deepens understanding.

A learning technique named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. The technique involves explaining a concept in simple terms as if teaching it to someone else. If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. This method reveals knowledge gaps and deepens understanding by forcing you to break down complex ideas into their simplest components.

A spaced repetition algorithm developed by Piotr Wozniak for SuperMemo. It calculates optimal review intervals based on your performance. If you answer correctly, the interval multiplies (typically by 2.5). If incorrect, the interval resets. It's one of the most widely used algorithms for spaced repetition.

The SM-2 algorithm used by Anki, a popular spaced repetition flashcard app. Developed by Piotr Wozniak for SuperMemo, this algorithm calculates optimal review intervals based on your performance. When you answer correctly, the interval multiplies (typically by 2.5). If incorrect, the interval resets. Anki uses a modified version of SM-2 that's optimized for flashcard-based learning.

The act of recalling information from memory, which strengthens the memory trace. Retrieval practice is more effective than simply re-reading material. It's the foundation of active recall and is proven to improve long-term retention significantly.

A study technique where you mix different topics or types of problems within a single study session, rather than focusing on one topic at a time. This improves your ability to distinguish between concepts and enhances long-term retention compared to blocked practice.

A learning technique where you ask yourself 'why' and 'how' questions about the material you're studying. By explaining the reasons behind facts and concepts, you create stronger connections in memory and improve understanding.

Thinking about your own thinking and learning process. It involves being aware of what you know, what you don't know, and how to learn effectively. Good metacognitive skills help you monitor your understanding and adjust your study strategies accordingly.

A concept developed by Hermann Ebbinghaus that shows how information is forgotten over time if not reviewed. The curve shows rapid forgetting initially, with the rate slowing over time. Spaced repetition is designed to counteract the forgetting curve by reviewing information at optimal intervals.

Educational technology that uses artificial intelligence to enhance learning. These tools can automatically create flashcards, summarize notes, transcribe lectures, optimize study schedules, and provide personalized learning experiences based on your performance.

A condensed version of course material that highlights key concepts, important information, and main ideas. Study guides help organize information and focus your review. They can be created manually or automatically using AI tools.

The practice of studying intensively for a short period right before an exam. While it may help with short-term recall, cramming is ineffective for long-term retention. Information learned through cramming is quickly forgotten after the exam.