What is is
There is a significant difference between recognizing something, and having a full recollection of that something. The human mind is hardwired (in many cases) with shortcuts for things. There's no reason to expend the mental energy to fully recall something every time that you recognize it. So the brain will fire the "recall" signal when you first see the chapter title or section heading, without actually verifying that recall is possible. This mean that when you look at the section heading, you'll think you remember the content, but it may just be the shortcut instead.
How to do it
Here are a few strategies to get around the shortcut and actually verify your recollection:
- Try to anticipate what the chapter title or section header or whatever the material is before you get to it. If you can't remember it well enough to know it's coming, it probably needs more work.
- When you see the section header, close your eyes and say out loud a synopsis of the section. Then skim the section to verify that you were correct and didn't miss anything.
- Try to explain the idea in your own words
- Express the ideas in the section in another form, such as drawing a graph, or creating a mock exam question.
When to apply it
Any time you're reviewing material. Instead of seeing the section header and accepting the "yes I recall this" signal at face value, probe that recall to ensure there's substance and depth to it. Don't settle for superficial recognition.
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