Key ideas based on Brian Johnson's PhilosopherNotes:
Recall = Key to Learning
Why? The harder your brain has to work to recall information, the more it is internalized
Recall Methods.
Space out your Learning
Your brain can only handle so much. Learn in small sessions.
Consistency trumps intensity!......Deep work doesn't always apply.
Self Quiz After Every Learning Session
Avoid the Fluency Illusion - a concept is so easy, you think you will have no problem remembering it (but we usually don't).
Teach What You Learned and Elaborate
Actually or mentally pretend you have to teach what you learned to someone else. How would you explain it?
Elaborate - putting concepts into your own language and relating it to what you already know (i.e.: how does this apply to what you already know or how can this help you in your every day life?)
Vary Your Practice
Don't practice the same pitch 1,000 times in a row during your learning/practice session. Its more effective to practice a variety of pitches if you want to be an all star pitcher.
Adequate Sleep is a Essential Component of Effective Learning
Leverage the Power of Your Sub-Conscious Mind
Task Specific Tension - your mind hates to have open, unfinished tasks; so your sub-conscious mind will work on the problem when you take breaks from conscious focus on the issue (which often is a more powerful tool the conscious focus).
For big, long-term project, start as early as possible so you have adequate time to take breaks and let your sub-conscious work on the problem.