Study Techniques Glossary

Spaced Repetition — Spaced repetition is a learning technique where review sessions are scheduled at increasing intervals.

Active Recall — Active recall is the practice of retrieving information from memory without looking at the answer.

Pomodoro Technique — The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that breaks study sessions into focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) separated by short breaks (5 minutes).

Testing Effect — The testing effect is the finding that retrieving information from memory (being tested) produces stronger long-term retention than simply re-studying the same material for an equal amount of time.

Retrieval Practice — Retrieval practice is the strategy of deliberately pulling information from memory during study sessions.

Forgetting Curve — The forgetting curve describes the exponential decline of memory retention over time when no effort is made to review the material.

Bloom's Taxonomy — Bloom's Taxonomy is a classification system for levels of cognitive complexity in learning objectives, ranging from basic recall (Remember) to higher-order thinking (Create).

Interleaving — Interleaving is the practice of mixing different topics or problem types during a single study session, rather than studying one topic exhaustively before moving to the next (blocking).

Metacognition — Metacognition is 'thinking about thinking' — the awareness and regulation of your own learning process.

Distributed Practice — Distributed practice means spreading study sessions over multiple days rather than concentrating them in a single long session.

Desirable Difficulty — Desirable difficulties are learning conditions that feel harder in the moment but produce stronger long-term retention.

Chunking — Chunking is the cognitive strategy of grouping individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units.

Self-Testing — Self-testing is the practice of quizzing yourself on material as a study technique, rather than waiting for an exam to find out what you know.

Feynman Technique — The Feynman Technique is a study method where you explain a concept in simple, plain language as if teaching it to someone with no background knowledge.

Memory Palace — The memory palace (method of loci) is a mnemonic technique where you associate information with specific locations in a familiar physical space, then mentally 'walk through' the space to recall the information.

Research in cognitive science consistently shows that how you study matters more than how long you study. Techniques like spaced repetition, active recall, and interleaving produce dramatically better retention than passive methods like re-reading and highlighting.

The challenge is that effective techniques often feel harder in the moment — a phenomenon called 'desirable difficulty.' StudyCheetah builds these techniques into every tool, so you get the benefits without having to manage the system yourself.