Struggling with material strengthens memory from "summary" of How We Learn by Benedict Carey
When we engage with material in a challenging way, it sticks with us. The struggle is not a sign of weakness, but rather a signal that our brains are working hard to encode the information. This process of struggling with information actually strengthens our memory of it. Researchers have shown that when subjects are forced to work through the material, even if they make mistakes, they end up with a better understanding of it in the long run. This is because the brain is forced to engage deeply with the material, making more connections and increasing the chances that it will be remembered later.
One study found that students who were given the opportunity to struggle with material actually performed better on tests than those who were given the information in a straightforward manner. This is because the struggle to retrieve the information during the learning process actually helps to solidify it in memory. When we make mistakes or have to work hard to recall information, our brains are more likely to remember it later on.
Incorporating strategies that force us to struggle with material can be a powerful way to enhance our learning. For example, spacing out our study sessions over time, rather than cramming all at once, can make the material more challenging to recall and therefore more likely to be remembered. Similarly, mixing up different types of problems or information can also increase the level of difficulty and help to strengthen memory.
By embracing the struggle that comes with learning, we can actually improve our memory and retention of information. Rather than avoiding challenging material, we should lean into it as a way to enhance our learning. The next time we find ourselves struggling with a concept or problem, we can take comfort in the fact that this difficulty is actually helping us to remember the information better in the long run.
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