# Effective Learning: Twenty Rules of Formulating Knowledge Author: **Dr. [[Piotr Wozniak]]** Date: February 1999 (updated) > **Key Idea**: “Formulating knowledge well can accelerate learning dramatically. The same information can be learned several times faster with better phrasing, segmentation, and context.” ## Why These Rules Matter - **Accelerated learning**: Properly formulated knowledge can be memorized and recalled much faster. - **Long-term retention**: These rules complement **spaced repetition** (e.g., SuperMemo, Anki) to reduce forgetting. - **Lower mental load**: Clear, minimal, well-structured items are **far easier** to maintain over time. - **Less frustration**: Avoid turning your study into a “random memorization slog” by refining items at the start. --- ## The 20 Rules at a Glance 1. **Do not learn if you do not understand** 2. **Learn before you memorize** 3. **Build upon the basics** 4. **Stick to the minimum information principle** 5. **Cloze deletion is easy and effective** 6. **Use imagery** 7. **Use mnemonic techniques** 8. **Graphic deletion is as good as cloze** 9. **Avoid sets** 10. **Avoid enumerations** 11. **Combat interference** 12. **Optimize wording** 13. **Refer to other memories** 14. **Personalize and provide examples** 15. **Rely on emotional states** 16. **Context cues simplify wording** 17. **Redundancy does not contradict the minimum information principle** 18. **Provide sources** 19. **Provide date stamping** 20. **Prioritize** --- ## Detailed Breakdown ### 1. Do Not Learn If You Do Not Understand - **Problem**: Blind memorization without comprehension wastes time; you’ll quickly forget or confuse details. - **Tip**: If a concept is unclear, re-read or **seek simpler explanations** before creating flashcards or notes. ### 2. Learn Before You Memorize - **Rationale**: Build a mental “big picture” before drilling specific facts. - **Example**: Understand how an internal combustion engine works overall before memorizing piston movement details. ### 3. Build Upon the Basics - **Key Point**: Strong fundamentals serve as anchors for all advanced knowledge. - **Action**: Don’t skip “easy” definitions or simple facts (they’re quick to memorize but **crucial** for bridging bigger ideas). ### 4. Stick to the Minimum Information Principle - **Definition**: Each Q&A (flashcard) should capture **one** small fact or idea. - **Benefit**: Minimizes confusion, aids quick recall, and makes scheduling simpler in spaced-repetition systems. ### 5. Cloze Deletion Is Easy and Effective - **Method**: Transform sentences into fill-in-the-blank items. - **Why**: **Fast** to create and effective in testing recall. Commonly used in incremental reading. ### 6. Use Imagery - **Visual Cortex**: Our brains are highly optimized for visual data. - **When**: Ideal for geography, anatomy, geometry, historical timelines, or any detail that’s easier “seen” than read. ### 7. Use Mnemonic Techniques - **Examples**: Peg systems, mind maps, memory palaces (Tony Buzan’s works). - **Caution**: Mnemonics are powerful but **not** a permanent solution alone; you still need **spaced repetition** for long-term retention. ### 8. Graphic Deletion Is As Good as Cloze - **Technique**: Hide part of an image or diagram and ask, “What’s behind this rectangle?” - **Where**: Anatomy labeling, map quizzes, labeling chemical structures, etc. ### 9. Avoid Sets - **Problem**: Large, unordered lists (e.g., all EU member states) are very hard to remember. - **Alternative**: Break them into smaller enumerations, or learn via **mnemonics** or **timelines**. ### 10. Avoid Enumerations - **Context**: Although ordered lists are slightly better than sets, they are still easy to forget. - **Solution**: Use **overlapping cloze deletions**, or group them into smaller logical chunks. ### 11. Combat Interference - **Definition**: Similar items cause confusion (e.g., “Guyana” vs. “French Guiana,” or “historic” vs. “historical”). - **Fix**: Make items **distinct** (add context, examples, or unique cues). - **Pro tip**: If an item repeatedly fails, rewrite it or break it down further. ### 12. Optimize Wording - **Rule**: Short, direct, unambiguous phrasing. - **Benefit**: Less confusion + less time to read + fewer memory clashes. ### 13. Refer to Other Memories - **Principle**: Tie new info to something you already know (e.g., cross-references, personal anchor points). - **Result**: Memory “networks” become more **robust** and “forgetting” one link doesn’t collapse the rest. ### 14. Personalize and Provide Examples - **Why**: Personal references are highly **memorable** (e.g., “a divan like the couch at Dad’s”). - **How**: If a definition is unclear, a quick personal anecdote can embed it more effectively. ### 15. Rely on Emotional States - **Memory Boost**: Emotions sharpen recall. - **Balance**: Don’t oversaturate with extreme “shock.” It can lead to confusion if repeated too often. ### 16. Context Cues Simplify Wording - **Usage**: Label items by topic or category (e.g., “(BioChem): GRE = Glucocorticoid Response Element” vs. “GRE exam”). - **Benefit**: Prevents accidental interference by clarifying the “domain” up front. ### 17. Redundancy Does NOT Contradict the Minimum Information Principle - **Example**: Having both `A → B` and `B → A` flashcards in foreign language learning. - **Purpose**: Some “strategic redundancy” can strengthen recall from multiple angles (active, passive, etc.). ### 18. Provide Sources - **Why**: Data can conflict across references; you’ll want to quickly verify. - **Practice**: Append `[Source: {Book/Link}]` or “(2012 data, WHO)” to your Q&A items. ### 19. Provide Date Stamping - **Relevance**: Many facts change over time (population, economic stats, software versions). - **Tip**: Label “As of 2020…” or “Version 3.2…” so you know if an item’s outdated. ### 20. Prioritize - **Reality**: You can’t learn everything. - **Implementation**: - Use incremental reading to decide what’s **urgent** vs. “nice to know.” - Regularly review and **discard** or **deprioritize** low-value items. --- ## Reference Links - **Original Article**: [SuperMemo – 20 Rules of Formulating Knowledge](https://www.supermemo.com/en/archives1990-2015/articles/20rules) ---