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Ask HN: How do you retain information?

by nezaj on 12/7/23, 10:43 PM with 3 comments

I'm trying to improve my ability to learn and retain. I find writing notes after I learn to be helpful. I feel like I'm missing another step -- reviewing my notes over time to ensure I retain the information?

I've heard about techniques like spaced repetition and using software like anki for better recall. Are there other ways to help retain information?

tl;dr After studying + writing notes, what are other things you do to help you retain information?

  • by wsgeorge on 12/7/23, 11:51 PM

    > How do you retain information?

    I don't try to. I write down/bookmark what I feel might be useful for future reference...

    > I'm trying to improve my ability to learn and retain

    Then it maybe depends on what you're trying to learn? What works for me is focusing on grasping some fundamental logic behind whatever I'm learning. That way there's less need to retain information, because I sort of "get it" and reason about the space.

  • by keiferski on 12/15/23, 10:08 AM

    Spaced Repetition is the gold standard here. I would just use Anki or another similar tool.

  • by 082349872349872 on 12/7/23, 11:21 PM

    avoid stress: when stressed I remember little but when relaxed I remember nearly everything, or at least where to find it again.