This post is part of a series challenging our assumptions about learning techniques. We’re giving you up to date information from current research into learning to help you learn more effectively. Check out the previous post in this series and read the most recent one below.
Trying to solve a problem before being shown the answer, even if that type of problem has never been addressed before, is more effective than looking the answer up straight away.
THIS IS TRUE.
It’s awkward. It’s uncomfortable. We’ll probably even get the answer wrong. So it’s natural to want to read up on a topic before being asked any questions on it. How can we answer a question that we have never seen the answer to?
The process of struggling to answer a question before that topic has been learned is known as generation. Sometimes, when something feels difficult or unnatural it can actually help us remember it. By being forced to find a solution before we know the answer we are actively engaging with the problem, using our logic to come to a conclusion rather than relying on a nicely phrased textbook response. Next time we confront the problem or solution we are more likely to remember it.
Want to read more on this topic? Check out this study:
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