What is Active Recall?

Rather than passively reading notes, actively recall what you’ve learned. This means testing yourself and trying to remember information without looking at your notes. It strengthens memory and makes learning more effective.

How to apply it:

> Cover-Write-Check – Read a topic, cover your notes, write what you remember, and check for accuracy.

> Q&A Method – Convert key concepts into questions and quiz yourself.

> Example: Instead of rereading a historical event, write down what you remember first, then check your notes.

How to apply it:

> Acronyms – Create short words or phrases using the first letter of each term (e.g., "FANBOYS" for coordinating conjunctions).

> Rhymes & Stories – Turn information into catchy rhymes or funny stories.

> Example: "PEMDAS" (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, etc.) makes remembering order of operations easier.

How to apply it:

> Use physical index cards or digital apps like Anki, Quizlet, and Vaia.

> One side = question, other side = answer for self-quizzing.

> Example: Write psychological theories on one side and their descriptions on the other.

Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to solidify your understanding of a subject!

How to apply it:

> Explain concepts to a friend or family member.

> Write a simplified summary as if teaching a beginner.

> Example: If you’re studying philosophy, try explaining a theory using simple terms and real-life examples.

Instead of cramming, spread out your study sessions over several days or weeks. This helps with long-term retention.

How to apply it:

> Study today, review after a day, a week, then a month.

> Use a planner to schedule review sessions.

> Example: Instead of reading a chapter 10 times in one night, review it multiple times over weeks.

How to apply it:

> Use credible sources like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and government websites.

> Search effectively using Boolean operators (e.g., "HUMSS AND career opportunities site:.gov").

> Take structured notes & organize references properly.

> Example: When researching "Social Issues in the Philippines," use keywords like "poverty AND education impact site:.gov.ph" to find reliable data.