What is a useful strategy for reviewing material over a longer period?

Spreading study sessions across several weeks is a highly effective strategy for reviewing material over a longer period, as it allows for the reinforcement of learning through repetition and spaced retrieval. This method capitalizes on the spacing effect, a psychological phenomenon where information is better retained when learning sessions are spaced apart rather than crammed into a short time frame.

When study sessions are distributed over weeks, learners have the opportunity to revisit and consolidate their understanding of the material. This approach also helps to reduce cognitive load, making it easier to retain and recall information during assessments. By engaging with the content multiple times and in varied contexts, individuals strengthen neural connections related to the subject, leading to improved memory retention and comprehension.

Cramming the night before tends to result in superficial learning and decreases long-term retention. Reviewing only on weekends may limit exposure to the material, while studying inconsistently can lead to gaps in knowledge and understanding due to the irregularity of engagement with the subject matter. Therefore, consistently spacing out study sessions is the most effective strategy for long-term retention.