> also repetition of different explanations of the same concept. multiple encodings are stronger since they end up fusing into not just more robust and general

> also repetition of different explanations of the same concept. multiple encodings are stronger since they end up fusing into not just more robust and general representations, but also more well connected. i forgot which neuroscience textbook it was that I read all this from from, but Dr. Barbara Oakley talks about this in her course too so anyone can look through there for more details and sources. > desirable difficulty Well regarded in anki, music practice, and most problem solving books (Polya's "How To Solve It"). I think some neuroscience texts also try to formalize it but I don't know enough there to point to a more concrete abstraction of the phenomenon. > As you re-read the explanation I suggest something even better. Try to do the explanation yourself from free recall, and when you fail, then re-read and note exactly where and why you failed. This is a mid-level efficiency technique (I forgot the source) compared to free call, active testing, and spaced repetition, but definitely better than plain re-reading.