Four Principles of Memory Improvement: A Guide to Improving Learning Efficiency

Bennett L. Schwartz – Florida International University, USA
Lisa K. Son – Barnard College, USA
Nate Kornell – Williams College, USA
Bridgid Finn – Washington University, USA

Recent advances in memory research suggest methods that can be applied toenhance educational practices. We outline four principles of memory improvementthat have emerged from research: 1) process material actively, 2) practice retrieval,3) use distributed practice, and 4) use metamemory. Our discussion of eachprinciple describes current experimental research underlying the principle andexplains how people can take advantage of the principle to improve their learning.The techniques that we suggest are designed to increase efficiency—that is, toallow a person to learn more, in the same unit of study time, than someone usingless efficient memory strategies. A common thread uniting all four principles isthat people learn best when they are active participants in their own learning.