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# System prepended metadata

title: Reading Responses 2
tags: [CDA]

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###### tags: `CDA`
# Reading Responses 2

## Sep 27 Fri - Make It stick

Brown argues that rereading text is an ineffective learning tool. Learning successfully as measured by exam performance is correlated to the difficulty of learning. That is, learning that requires more effort is more efficient than learning that is easy. Unlike popular belief, reviewing notes is not an effective learning technique. Testing after periods of time is the best way to learn. This technique is called information retrieval. Learning is about absorbing key ideas from new information, and mental models are developed by changing the brain. Both creativity and knowledge are important in order to perform tasks effectively. While cramming may be effective for short-term tests, they are not effective in the long term for recalling information. Retrieval that may feel less productive can actually produce longer-lasting learning. Interleaved practice is also more effective because it helps one differentiate between problem types as well as learn what makes problem types similar. 
I have personally experienced that trying out a problem before learning how to solve it helps teach problem-solving skills. When I solve a problem by myself without hints, I learn the problem-solving techniques better. In addition, I learn vocabulary words best with flashcards because I can test myself repeatedly. This is an example of retrieval practice. It was surprising to me that prior exposure to words does not improve the memorization of the words. 
