How to remember everything that you learn

Struggling to retain what you study? Research shows we forget 70% of new information within 24 hours. But with the right methods, you can fight this forgetting curve and boost long-term memory. Here’s how:

Active Recall: Test yourself on material instead of passively rereading. Methods include:
- Turning notes into questions.
- Teaching concepts to others.
- Writing summaries from memory.
Spaced Repetition: Review information at increasing intervals to retain up to 85% of what you learn. Use tools like Anki or Quizlet for scheduling reviews.
AI Tools: Apps like Intellecs.ai and ChatGPT create flashcards, quizzes, and personalized study plans.
Daily Habits:
- Sleep 7+ hours for memory consolidation.
- Exercise regularly for brain health.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish.
- Reduce stress with mindfulness practices.
Organized Study Space: Create a distraction-free environment and use digital tools like OneNote or Trello to stay on track.

Quick Tip: Combine active recall with spaced repetition for the best results. For example, test yourself today, then review the same material in 2, 5, and 10 days.

Want to learn more? Dive into proven strategies, tools, and habits that will help you remember everything you learn.

Active Recall Methods

Understanding Active Recall

Active recall is all about deliberately pulling information from your memory, which strengthens brain connections and boosts how well you retain what you’ve learned . Studies confirm that this method outperforms traditional study techniques by building stronger memory pathways, making it easier to recall knowledge later . This process taps into the "testing effect", where testing yourself actively enhances long-term memory .

"Active recall is the most efficient, high-yield study technique that involves repeatedly testing yourself using questions created from your notes." - Michael Owen, Medical Student

Interestingly, even if you don’t get the answer right, the act of trying to recall it still improves your memory for the future .

Here are five practical ways to bring active recall into your study routine.

5 Ways to Practice Active Recall

Question-Based Learning
Turn your study material into questions and try answering them without looking at your notes. This pushes your brain to retrieve information instead of just recognizing it . After studying, take a moment to ask yourself, “What were the key points I just covered?”
The Teaching Method
Teach the material to someone else in your own words. This approach, often called the Feynman Technique, helps you spot gaps in your understanding while reinforcing your memory . No one to teach? Pretend you’re explaining the topic in a video.
Memory-First Approach
Before checking your notes or searching online, pause and try to recall the information yourself . Even if you only remember part of it, this small effort strengthens your memory over time.
Strategic Self-Testing
Use practice questions or past exam papers to test yourself regularly . Schedule these self-testing sessions into your routine, as research shows they’re more effective than simply rereading notes.
Active Summarization
After studying, close your books and write a summary in your own words . This forces your brain to reconstruct the material, helping you better understand and remember it.

Spaced Repetition Systems

The Spaced Repetition Method

Spaced repetition is a technique designed to help you remember information over the long term by reviewing it at carefully spaced intervals. Studies back this up - research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that students using this method achieved an 80% recall rate, compared to 60% for those who crammed .

By planning reviews to combat the "forgetting curve", spaced repetition ensures better retention. Without it, up to 90% of what you learn could fade within just three days . Each review strengthens your memory, making it easier to recall information later. Here's how it works:

Initial review + three follow-ups: This approach can help you retain up to 85% of the material over time .

"Cramming seeks to stamp things by intense application before the ordeal, but a thing thus learned can form few associations. On the other hand, the same thing recurring on different days, read, recited again and again gets well-wrought in our mental structure." - William James

Now, let’s look at some apps that use spaced repetition to optimize your learning.

Best Apps for Spaced Repetition

Modern apps take the guesswork out of scheduling your reviews by using AI and algorithms to determine the best times to revisit material. Here's a quick comparison of popular tools:

App	Key Features	Best For	Notable Limitation
Anki	Customizable, free desktop version, shared decks	Self-directed learners	Complex interface; iOS app costs $25
Quizlet	Easy to use, pre-made content, gamification	Students, group study	Advanced features require a subscription
Memrise	Focus on languages, mnemonics, native videos	Language learners	Limited content outside languages
intellecs.ai	AI flashcards, smart scheduling, integrated system	Comprehensive learning	Desktop-only; $25/month

Tips for success with any app:

Keep sessions short and focused.
Use difficulty ratings honestly to improve scheduling.
Make flashcards that encourage active recall - avoid overly detailed cards.
Stick to daily reviews rather than inconsistent, lengthy sessions.

For example, medical students who used spaced repetition to study anatomy improved their test scores from 78% to 88% on average . Whether you're tackling a new language, preparing for exams, or developing professional skills, this method can dramatically improve how much you retain over time. Many apps offer free trials, so you can experiment to find the one that fits your needs.

AI Tools for Better Memory

AI-powered tools combine advanced algorithms with memory techniques to create tailored learning experiences.

intellecs.ai: All-in-One Study Platform

intellecs.ai

Intellecs.ai stands out by bringing together note-taking, flashcard creation, and AI assistance in a single platform:

Smart Note Organization: Automatically categorizes and links related concepts, making it easier to see connections between topics.
AI-Generated Flashcards: Saves time by creating flashcards directly from your study materials.
Personalized Review Scheduling: Adjusts review sessions based on your performance to help you retain information more effectively.

This streamlined system means you won’t need multiple apps. Upload your study materials, and the AI can generate practice questions and flashcards while keeping your overall learning goals in mind.

While Intellecs.ai offers a robust solution, other AI tools cater to different learning needs and bring their own advantages.

Other AI Study Tools

Tool	Key Memory Feature	Best Use Case	Monthly Cost
ChatGPT	Question generation	Active recall practice	$20
Notion AI	Smart note connections	Knowledge organization	$22
Doctrina AI	Quiz generation	Topic mastery	Free tier available
Tutor AI	Personalized explanations	Breaking down complex concepts	Free limited access

To get the most out of these tools, keep these tips in mind:

Input Detailed Content: For example, use ChatGPT to create study questions by providing specific chapter details.
Engage Multiple Senses: Incorporate multimedia elements like images, audio, and text to strengthen memory pathways.
Practice Regularly: Set up short daily review sessions (10–15 minutes) instead of long, infrequent cram sessions.

Tips for Maximizing AI Study Tools

Start Small: Focus on mastering one tool before adding others to your routine.
Monitor Your Progress: Use analytics features to pinpoint areas where you need improvement.
Personalize Content: Adjust AI-generated materials to fit your learning style and knowledge level.
Check Accuracy: Always review AI-generated content to ensure it’s correct before using it for study.

Setting Up for Success

Creating the right study environment can dramatically improve focus and memory. Here's how to set up both your physical and digital spaces for better learning.

Organize Your Study Space

Did you know it takes about 23 minutes to fully regain focus after a distraction? That’s why having a tidy, dedicated area for studying is so important.

Physical Setup
Choose a specific spot for studying. Make sure it has plenty of natural or bright white light and use an ergonomic chair to stay comfortable and focused .

Organization Tips

Use a color-coding system to organize subjects or topics .
Keep essentials like chargers, pens, notebooks, and water close by to avoid interruptions.

"Creating a designated distraction-free zone is key to a productive work environment... Making it a designated study area will preserve its association with learning." - Staff Writer, Joyce University

Digital Tools to Stay on Track
Pair your physical setup with apps that help you stay organized and focused:

Category	App	Key Feature
Note-Taking	OneNote	Syncs across devices
Task Management	Trello	Visual task organization
Reference Management	Zotero	Tracks citations
Focus Enhancement	Forest	Blocks distractions

When your physical and digital environments work together, it’s easier to build productive habits.

Daily Habits for Better Memory

An organized space is just the start - daily routines are what solidify learning and improve memory. Sleep, for instance, plays a key role in this process:

"Sleep is also the time when your brain consolidates and stores information you've learned in long-term memory. If you don't get enough sleep, these functions may be impaired."

Habits That Support Memory

Sleep Well: Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night to help your brain store information .
Stay Active: Do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week. Studies suggest this could even delay dementia by up to 10 years .
Eat Smart: Follow a Mediterranean-style diet filled with:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Fish
Manage Stress: Practice mindfulness or relaxation exercises daily.

"When you're stressed, your brain prioritizes your ability to figure out what's going on and what you need to do. It de-prioritizes processes that would allow you to rapidly retrieve your knowledge and memories."

Boost Your Environment
Scents like lavender, rosemary, or peppermint can help improve concentration .

Conclusion: Put These Methods to Work

Studies reveal that students using active recall can retain up to 80% of material after a week, compared to only 34% with passive study techniques . This highlights how combining effective strategies can drastically improve retention.

Here’s how you can make it work:

Active Recall + Spaced Repetition
Test yourself on new information right away, then review it at gradually increasing intervals. Tools like Anki and Quizlet are great for scheduling these reviews. Together, these methods create a powerful system for long-term memory .

"By actively retrieving information at strategically spaced intervals, you can maximize both the strength and longevity of your memories."

AI-Enhanced Learning
Modern AI tools can take your study sessions to the next level. Platforms like Recall or Intellecs.ai allow you to upload materials, generate practice questions, and create personalized review schedules . Use these tools to support your learning, but remember that critical thinking is still key .

Stay Committed
It might feel tough at first, but as Nelson Dellis, 4-time US Memory Champion, puts it: "Memory comes down to paying attention. That's all it is."

Start small by focusing on active recall and spaced repetition. As you grow more confident, introduce AI tools and stay consistent. Success comes from taking action - build these habits to retain everything you learn.