How to use Anki like a PRO (by a Learning Expert)

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Justin Sung, a learning coach and researcher, reveals advanced strategies for using flashcard apps like Anki more effectively. He explains the strengths and weaknesses of flashcards, emphasizing their utility for active knowledge retrieval and spaced repetition, while cautioning against their overuse for rote memorization. Sung introduces a three-part study method to enhance flashcard effectiveness: targeted review, consolidation and preparation, and previewing future material. His approach aims to reduce flashcard overload, promote higher-order learning, and improve retention through micro-learning sessions and strategic review.

Takeaways

• 📚 Flashcards are great for triggering active retrieval of knowledge, which is essential for memory and retention.
• 🔄 Flashcards help in spacing out repetitions effectively, making it easier to review facts and concepts over time.
• 🕒 They are beneficial for micro-learning, allowing for short, concentrated study sessions that can be fit into daily routines.
• 🚫 Flashcards are not ideal for higher-order learning that requires connecting multiple concepts and facts.
• 📈 Over-reliance on flashcards can lead to information overload and ineffective learning due to the lack of knowledge network building.
• 🔍 The script emphasizes the importance of targeted review, where difficult flashcards are revisited and understood in depth.
• 🔗 During consolidation, flashcards that are mastered should be merged to form higher-order questions, enhancing interconnected learning.
• ⏳ The process of managing flashcards should be part of a larger study strategy that includes previewing, reviewing, and encoding new material.
• 👨‍🏫 Dr. Justin Sung suggests that the quality of encoding significantly impacts memory retention, advocating for efficient, non-linear methods.
• 📉 Overuse of flashcards can result in memorizing the format rather than the content, which doesn't translate well to real-world knowledge application.
• 🎯 The strategy outlined by Dr. Sung aims to make flashcards less overwhelming, more memorable, and ultimately triple their effectiveness.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about optimizing the use of flashcard apps like Anki for effective learning.

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker is Dr. Justin Sung, a learning coach, researcher, and former medical doctor.

What are the three main benefits of using flashcards according to the video?

The three main benefits are: triggering active retrieval of knowledge, making it easy to space out repetitions, and facilitating micro learning through short, concentrated study sessions.

What is micro learning and why is it effective?

Micro learning refers to short bursts of study sessions that are very concentrated, often just a few minutes long. It is effective because it tends to have a disproportionately high benefit for memory and attention, although the exact reasons are not fully understood.

Why are flashcards not suitable for higher order learning needs?

Flashcards are not suitable for higher order learning needs because they are generally designed to test one concept or fact at a time, which does not help in drawing connections between multiple concepts and facts needed for complex understanding.

What is the potential issue with relying too heavily on flashcards for learning?

The potential issue is that it can lead to memorizing the flashcard itself rather than the knowledge, and it may not build a knowledge network necessary for effective retention and application of the information.

What strategy does Dr. Sung suggest to make flashcards less overwhelming and more effective?

Dr. Sung suggests splitting long study sessions into targeted review, consolidation and preparation, and preview. He emphasizes reviewing incorrect flashcards in depth, merging correct ones to create higher-order questions, and using flashcards for micro learning during spare moments.

How does Dr. Sung define 'targeted review' in the context of flashcards?

'Targeted review' involves reviewing flashcards that have been marked incorrect three times in a row, spending additional time to consolidate knowledge and reduce the chances of forgetting.

What is the purpose of 'consolidation and preparation' in Dr. Sung's strategy?

'Consolidation and preparation' involves reviewing material learned since the previous long study session, writing notes, and creating new flashcards for the upcoming week.

What does 'preview' in Dr. Sung's strategy entail?

'Preview' is about priming oneself with material that has not been covered yet, which is crucial for reducing the amount of forgetting and preventing being overwhelmed by new information.

How does the video suggest dealing with flashcards that are consistently answered incorrectly?

The video suggests spending five to ten minutes per card to go deeper, connect the concept with prior knowledge, and build a network around it to improve understanding and retention.