How to Study & Learn Using Active Recall | Dr. Cal Newport & Dr. Andrew Huberman

Dr. Cal Newport and Dr. Andrew Huberman discuss the concept of active recall and its role in effective learning.
Cal Newport, Ph.D. (‪@CalNewportMedia‬) is a professor of computer science at Georgetown University and bestselling author of numerous books on focus and productivity and how to access the deepest possible layers of your cognitive abilities in order to do quality work and lead a more balanced life. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast.
Watch the full episode: • Dr. Cal Newport: How t...
Show notes: www.hubermanlab.com/episode/d...
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Learning Techniques
01:27 Discovering the Power of Active Recall
02:47 The Journey to Academic Excellence
05:02 Mastering Material with Active Recall
05:57 Applying Active Recall in Neuroanatomy
06:37 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Watch Full Episode
#HubermanLab #CalNewport #Studying
The Huberman Lab podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

[@derrickm2282]

I literally watched this video yesterday and I thought I needed to return here to say this; both your methods work! I tried both your methods (recall and memory surfing) and I couldn't believe it! I studied the material, went away for an hour, returned and sat with my thoughts for a few moments trying to recall what I'd read earlier, and what do you know - most of it came rushing back to me! And all I had to work with were written down terms of the disciplines as prompts and that's all it took to recall vast amounts of text on these! I am so proud of this! Thank you both for imparting this active recall tip, it certainly has transformed the game for me!

[@asystoleD]

me watching this to procrastinate

[@lildjongademirov4199]

it only gets worse

[@mo3taz_]

Good thing it isn’t only me

[@joaquincortada1483]

I procrastinate about procrastinating

[@JoshuaWilliam-zb7sx]

Y’all need to think about the competition more.

[@Holly-ql4ox]

Lol me too! Need to study for an exam and I'm procrastinating

[@johnyrusoc]

Active recall, Spaced Repetition and Interleaving are the key!

[@Elly-jm6pg]

Sounds like someone did the 'Learning how to learn' course ;)

[@EmDi-fr9pf]

@@Elly-jm6pg is it a good course?

[@Elly-jm6pg]

@@EmDi-fr9pf Yes! I'd recommend it. It's free on Coursera and only takes about 10-15 hours. It's rated 4.8/5 from 88,000 reviews which speaks for itself 😄

[@grow2behappy]

What is interleaving?

[@EcomCarl]

Cal Newport's emphasis on active recall is a game-changer for anyone serious about learning efficiently! 💡 It's impressive how switching from passive to active learning methods can significantly boost information retention and academic performance.

[@cesarsanchezgutierrez3064]

Active recall can be applied by methods of memorization such as mind maps, index card categorization, among other techniques. Active recall is the most time efficient and mentally draining way of learning currently known. But it can lead to great fundamental learning, which can be helpful for grasping advanced knowledge “better”.

[@abdullahop9814]

I also did the same without even knowing about it. I used to read a chapter, learn the basic idea and concepts and then close the book, trying to recall most of what I read and if I missed something I would open the book and again recall it a while later. Helped me top my school every year.

[@cesarsanchezgutierrez3064]

Thank god for Huberman and his great guests!

[@newday2637]

Great concept, the active recall.. the I struggled with it pile makes sense. I think identifying the items we struggle with then setting aside, makes more sense than stressing over those items at the moment. Focusing on the positive or what you have mastered makes more sense. Then going back to master ones you need to take more time on. Sounds like a great learning system.. Thanks for sharing

[@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805]

Cal Newport had to give up Rowing, something he loved, because of a heart condition. By his own words, if it werent for that, he'd never have become the powerhouse of studying and gone on to help 100s of 1000s of students around the world. Remember that next time life throws you a curveball.

[@XwizzZap01]

It could have also been an extremely depressing experience and I think that would have happened to me if I was him!

[@IKcodeIgorWnek]

Amazing, you have >30 years and finally start to learn how to learn. Thanks Guys!

[@user-pz8gu1xi5n]

Is really Great Episode. Than you so much❤❤

[@oybekmamatqulov7009]

That's really helpful method to learn and study

[@thomashalm8585]

Yes... when u are willing to go through the pain of not assuming you know what you just learnt but instead confirming that you know what you just learnt by bringing it out... by teaching it... and going back and noticing that you retained 40 - 50 percent of what you learnt and go back and repeat and repeat while doing so time efficiently, not only will you be an academic weapon, you will be the best of your peers

[@parulsingh767]

I am a big fan of your podcast...you did a great job 😮❤

[@grow2behappy]

Great topic, fast learning and skill aquisition are soo important!

[@christyabraham86]

Cal Newport, thank you for putting things straight and clear! quite helpful :) Thank you! Andrew Huberman, you are my benchmark!

[@Ytusername18]

Much needed collaboration, both are my favourite KZbinrs

[@ReflectionOcean]

By YouSum Live 00:01:56 Implement active recall for efficient learning. 00:04:01 Experiment with studying methods for academic success. 00:04:34 Utilize active recall for improved memory retention. 00:05:32 Master material efficiently through active recall techniques. 00:05:50 Prepare with active recall to avoid all-nighters. 00:05:57 Enhance learning by actively engaging with study material. 00:06:32 Develop a mental map for effective learning and retention. By YouSum Live

[@progamer-df3be]

*start the work as soon as you wake up. quite important since you at the beginning of the day you have a bunch of dopamine stored.

[@sehajsandhu4210]

Ilyy

[@drsuhailshafat786]

Thank you brother

[@user-og6dz8if9p]

I think this one going to change my perspective about study ing

[@Jeffbasill]

me watching this just before my college graduation.

[@atharvakurhade4697]

Us bro😂

[@BadassVideos]

I have been teaching this for 25 years, as an organic chemistry tutor, even wrote a study skills book about it. Ya. and it helps to stress out the learning environment especially to mimic the testing situation practice your homework fast. see where you make mistakes. practice fast and stressed out. your test scores with skyrocket.

[@SalmanMKC]

What's the book called?

[@fergalg-mu4wd]

organic chem>>

[@StudyingMachine-yg4th]

Active recall is the way to go!

[@mohamedyusufmohamud8193]

This method is how I memorized a book with 604 pages and 77,797 words . I was 8 years when I started , It took me two years to do from 7 am to 6 pm in every single day for 6 days in the week .

[@iamfarhan989]

Stop the cap

[@ameerzaman4961]

Allahumabarik

[@surpremesingh13]

@@iamfarhan989he’s obviously taking about the Quran

[@bazzfreedom8622]

The Holy Quran , well alas the main way its teached in my place is by repetitions Massive repetitions like 50, 100 times and not active recall

[@surpremesingh13]

@@bazzfreedom8622 but you can only retain it permanently when you recall it

[@johannsomosa2323]

Currently practicing active recall by attempting to recall what said on this video.

[@SojemBellai]

Thank you Andrew

[@jaisheelsaraan2047]

Active recall ❤ Spaced recall Thank you

[@FeyeRoba]

Just Wow 😲 to see Dr. Cal Newport (author of books like Deep work & how to become a straight-A student..etc) .... I invite everyone who wants to learn about studying to read those books, Hola🙌

[@danielgareth4205]

Recommendation for further reading: The concept "retrieval practice" from Dr. Pooja Agarwal is very similar to "active recall". Dr. Agarwal wrote several books on this topic proving our efficient this method is. You can also find her on KZbin talking about this concept.

[@Aristophocles]

How can I translate this into high school learning? I'm a history teacher and I'm always looking for innovative ways for my students to remember the contents on their textbook and from lecture

[@diya009theras]

Me watching this when i have an exam tomorrow, and ive barely started studying! 😅

[@juliusway]

This makes me think of the Michel Thomas language method

[@maryumshafique2084]

I didn't know this is called active recall. I have been doing it all my Uni life.

[@orcunsarmis2959]

thanks it is amazing top hear that.

[@fairuzastevenson9896]

Thank you

[@soikatmaji4685]

It's brutal but efficient 🔥

[@ZerotoHeroSSC]

Me who watching this a day before examination 😂

[@amirhosseinalirezaie6187]

Me🙋🤣

[@janissaraashin5943]

😂😂😂

[@chisomongalande8745]

SMH same😂

[@in_tasin]

As an Asian (not flexing), but also an A+ or 5.0 GPA bearer, it's quite fascinating for me to hear that people in the West are very content and happy with having A's.

[@ajaypatoliya9331]

00:04 Taking time away from material aids information retention 01:05 Active learning leads to better retention and understanding. 01:52 Active recall is a time-efficient but mentally taxing way to learn. 02:42 Transition from rowing crew to writing due to heart condition. 03:38 Active recall turned my studies around 04:27 Achieved academic success through active recall and dedicated studying techniques 05:13 Active recall is incredibly efficient. 05:55 Learning neuroanatomy through mental mapping technique. Crafted by Merlin AI.

[@hikmaju9514]

Please upload the full program 😔 😭 🥺 🙏

[@Vaprium]

Huberman x Justin Sung

[@JustinSung]

Lets make this happen : )

[@narekhovhannisyan2563]

Great idea

[@parvesh-rana]

When you gain a deeper understanding of the neuroscience behind emotions and behaviors, it's like lifting the veil on the mechanisms that drive human experience. Suddenly, the simple joys of day-to-day life may seem less spontaneous and more deterministic, as I realize how various neural pathways and chemical processes influence your thoughts and feelings. This newfound awareness sometimes dampen the excitement of mundane tasks, as I become more attuned to the underlying neural patterns at play. It's akin to seeing the gears and cogs behind the scenes of a once-magical performance-it doesn't necessarily diminish the beauty of the show, but it does alter the perception of it. So what are your thoughts on that can you explain in a video please 😊

[@Necrodoxious]

Really solid question, thank you for posting that.

[@KEKW-lc4xi]

Information. It is neat to learn about things, and in my time alive I have learned a great many academic things. But learning such things has not brought me any happiness, quite the opposite actually as learning new things I find to be a painful and tedious process overall, and I actually think the less someone knows about the universe the better life experience they can live. For example I think Indians probably lived the most true or ideal lifestyle, hunting and gathering, having sex with a wife every night, raising kids, going to war with neighboring clans, passing down information in the form of stories and legends, everything like the wind and rain is magic and was due to divine intervention etc.

[@arjuntendulkar01]

Nah this brother used fucking chat gpt

[@saideepreddy9922]

​@@KEKW-lc4xidefinitely learning new things makes life difficult because we create a confusion in our brain We start altering all our opinions on many things which were developed before So our judgments, decision making, problem solving everything gets affected by new learning And these new things can't fit well in the environment which was being followed conventionally I suffered a lot after knowing about psychology, the selfishness of human beings, the greed of human beings, the manipulations people are doing to us, till then I didn't know anything so I was very peaceful and normal But now I can understand the intentions of people behind their actions, so now I can't act normal but I can't loose them, because it's natural to be selfish and greedy So at starting i have suffered this a lot But I didn't stop learning, then I also found out why suffering happens Then I got clarity and I understood how to deal everything without loosing happiness and magic in life We just have to open up everything to everyone Drama ends there We may think if we speak truth, they may hurt or develop negative opinion on us No when our intention is not bad, they understand it because they know their intentions are not right ethically, morally Yes Indians lived a perfectly balanced life, the culture allowed people to live selfish life and benefits of being together

[@InsightfulEd_Mr.Qureshi]

Fantastic insight guys. Absolutely spot on, active recall is indeed the bane and critical point that cements information into long term gain. Harder done than first meets the eye. Once we get students to understand this and work towards this process, its an exciting step into unlocking human potential. Keep spreading the good message. May Allah accept your good deeds. Peace.

[@marvelouss719]

May Allah teach you to love all his people, especially women.

[@anshumantiwari7525]

He is very write about the tips and trick .

[@shantanushekharsjunerft9783]

You read initially then recall and then re read?

[@VideoToWords]

✨Summary by VideoToWords - Active recall involves trying to recall information from memory without looking at notes or materials, and is one of the most effective learning techniques - Dr. Newport discovered the power of active recall in college when experimenting with study methods, leading to straight A's after struggling initially - Active recall is mentally taxing but highly time efficient for learning and retaining information in a vivid way - The process involves reading material, stepping away, attempting to recall key points from memory, then checking the material to reinforce gaps - Active recall allows the learner to build a dynamic mental map of the information which can be navigated like a physical space - Dr. Huberman used active recall techniques extensively to master neuroanatomy by mentally visualizing brain structures and pathways - While challenging, active recall is advocated as the optimal technique for deeply encoding information into long-term memory

[@Orcafon]

I want Huberman x Justin Sung

[@ralpharances]

YES PLEASE!

[@JustinSung]

👀

[@steve3586rgt]

One key reason underlining, margin notes, and highlighting don't work for really learning material is that every time you look at the text you highlighted, you think "Yeah I remember that." But you don't really _remember_ it, you just _recognize_ it. Big difference! Flashcards and other ways of simulating taking a pop quiz on the material force you to actually recall what the answer is, instead of just recognizing the information when you see it. That's why active recall works so well. Repeated exposure to the material plus having to actively recall it is a powerful combination, and if you can apply it, that's even better. (Don't just read about how to cut a dovetail joint, do it. Don't just memorize a Python syntax, write a short program that uses it...) Regarding physical flashcards: If you cut 3x5 index cards in half, you get 2.5x3 inch cards (about the size of standard poker cards) They're big enough for most flashcard Q&A and they fit in your pocket easily.

[@ksofficerofficer7858]

Sorry My English I'm in my first semester I have isue time management when I spend my time some subjects I forgot other ones when I go back to other ones same than I forgot and also most of my time is learning I dont've revision time I'm confused , do you think you can help me time table?

[@vs0018]

Now I understand the meaning of homework why do they give practice questions so that even out of fear of hw - we would sit and recall the concept we studied about in class. You just dont take it properly, not that all hws are important but maximum are. That is recall only, there is always a hw diary of atleast one teacher - one subject where teacher asks to revise chapter this or that. Or this topic of importance. That is the ask for ACTIVE RECALL only man. Today people don't seem to investing much in it because it takes a lot of time. And the reels and shorts - focus span 💀📈📉📈📉📈📉 every 1 minute.

[@tanishhhh2060]

while recalling if u can't recall things it's intense

[@RaulHuseynli-uf1oh]

feels like champions league seeing them both together

[@kovachandres7667]

learning is actualy always "practicing memory" but is somehow devalved with word memory so people think "only memory?" but it is actualy olso and very hard to that

[@firstbrotherDK]

Sounds great, but how do I apply it to learning new languages...

[@Heckles44]

Anki

[@Highqualityoflife1]

I'm sure it's going to work

[@ak40svn]

Pomodoro Method + Anki Flashcards for active recall

[@ksofficerofficer7858]

oh You do watch learning how learn course?

[@kabirbatra]

Anki Flashcards will keep track of the "I struggled with this" pile etc for you 5:25

[@lululemonbar9110]

I still don’t know where he talked about HOW to do this technique. Please reply. Where??

[@user-kl7lc6tq6k]

in his book. how to become a straight a student

[@user-xl4kq9xv7f]

00:04 抽出时间远离材料有助于信息保留 01:05 主动学习可以带来更好的记忆和理解。 01:52 主动回忆是一种节省时间但是耗费脑力的学习方式。 02:42 由于心脏状况，从划船队转为写作。 03:38 主动回忆改变了我的学习 04:27 通过积极回忆和专注的学习技巧取得学业成功 05:13 主动回忆非常有效。 05:55 通过思维导图技术学习神经解剖学。 Crafted by Merlin AI.

[@anshikatiwari2211]

From India 🙋

[@Mav047]

Hello

[@user-kl7lc6tq6k]

4:44

[@potatocrackers7885]

So active recall is the term. We have to rewire our brain circuits by remembering the things we've studied with a break. Doing that makes the wires permanent

[@user-gp5no7xb8f]

please bring justin sung

[@iamgratitudebecoming]

🔥❤️

[@shehryarfaisal_]

Here's me, active procrastinating.

[@frankz6855]

Bro not you alone I have math exam and I am doing the same as you😂

[@Arya-bf7sp]

✅

[@kentam5361]

Active recall is a useful tool for the purpose of learning. If you don’t know it you can not recall it and vise versa.

[@paschalanselm9722]

One of the most difficult learning strategies esp in medical school😢

[@Soulace1]

What’s the book called? I need it

[@harshraj2250]

How to become a straight A student

[@SelfProClaimed_Psychic]

👍

[@Lawman212]

Newport is talking about Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome.

[@someguyusa]

Okay, so did you read the whole chapter first, or make flashcards, or read the teacher's slides, or what? Saying Active Recall by itself as if it's in a vacuum is useless.

[@NeloAmaru]

Bro just try to remember the subject that you wanted to retain after a while.

[@stevenmorris5562]

How well does active recall help people with ADHD?

[@goat8614]

Are they not humans? If they are then relatively well if they can focus.

[@Ranas-qm8vn]

00:02 *📘 Active Recall for Effective Learning* - Active recall involves reading material and then trying to remember specific elements before revisiting the material. - Stepping away from the material and engaging in recall activities can lead to better information retention. - The brain learns best through active recall, which involves replicating information from scratch without looking at notes. 01:27 *📚 Active Recall for Efficient Studying* - Active recall is a mentally taxing but efficient studying method. - Replicating information from memory without looking at notes enhances learning and retention. - Engaging in active recall can lead to a pseudo-photographic memory for quicker and more effective learning. 03:24 *🧠 Personal Transformation through Active Recall* - Systematically experimenting with studying methods, especially active recall, can lead to significant academic improvement. - Active recall can transform studying habits and academic performance, leading to better grades and efficient learning. - Adopting active recall as a primary studying method can result in remarkable academic achievements and enhanced learning capabilities.

[@personalitydev]

@ 26 April 2024 # 10:54 AM

[@inesbecker0_214]

Can someone recommend his book “how to become a straight a student”? :)

[@goat8614]

Yes

[@user-gp1zv5pn2o]

Team Huberman! 🙏✝️🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴🤴👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@Hey_ram_10]

Active recall as the author said is mentally taxing which makes most people less interested over a period of time making to hit their dopamine base levels . Rather it would be best if they have discussed about blooms taxonomy which is scientific way of learning and suitable for all types of learners.

[@ChristisKingLORD]

Cal newport is NO JOKE, Active recall is a game changer.

[@Fatima-qx5ir]

3:14

[@rolandor.moreno7498]

So why don't they teach this in H.S. ?

[@Dontbustthecrust]

I was taught this in 5th grade

[@vs0018]

😂😂 do you understand the meaning of homework why do they give practice questions so that even out of fear of hw - we would sit and recall the concept we studied about in class. You just dont take it properly, not that all hws are important but maximum are. That is recall only, there always hw diary of atleast one subject where is marking revise chapter this or that. Or this topic of importance. That is the ask for ACTIVE RECALL only man. Today people don't seem to investing much in it because it takes a lot of time. And the reels and shorts - focus span 💀📈📉📈📉📈📉 every 1 minute.

[@sushil6509]

​@@vs0018They should teach us the logic behind it right? Can't expect a HS rebel to do whatever is said to him

[@vs0018]

@@sushil6509 well if you don't understand that doing the right thing will help you in future consciously by yourself. Then nobody can explain it you. Teachers always brag about doing well and personally giving attention to all kids....nah brahh you joking. If you can't get the feeling from within of growing no motivation no logic will make you want to grow. Believe me being a rebel in school is no wrong, its a great thing for those golden days. But atleast being a better student at academics helps you with your life and confidence.

[@Focus.is.a.virtue]

Think of it as a game where the tips and tricks that make you a professional are taught by game masters rather than the game itself .

[@productivebeasthopefullyso194]

After a learning session, just think about what you learned without your sources, afterwards go back to your sources.

[@sulley58]

What is the neutroscience knowledge behind always wearing black cloth? I have observed Dr. Huberman always wear black clothes. Does it have something to do with the mind or brain?

[@neldino1251]

this is some dangerous info

[@saswat9465]

I think Andrew is how Zeus looked like

[@JoshuaWilliam-zb7sx]

Otherwise known as ‘The Feynman Technique’.

[@j606ywt]

The guys talking about information retention whilst using printed notes

[@DAngeloDino]

Ablation?

[@Gfjdighhd]

عالی بود ممنون

[@thatomofolo452]

😮

[@MensahJ]

The point where you have been so inefficient at studies that you feel no new advice can save you

[@zzc8505]

classic memorization rebranded as “active recall.”

[@vasantcroissant9596]

I like how we need to over explain memory 😭😂💀

[@PeacefulKandulna]

Taxing but time efficient

[@DrPrashant_Sharma]

wpw syndrome

[@unemployed_dude]

Forgot how to read

[@adlopo9138]

Scratch

[@lukeharris2622]

✝️💪

[@zima2252]

Straight As in Humanities doesn't impress me.

[@AK-nm1jh]

I mean it's not as difficult and impressive as physics and medicine but it's still impressive.

[@IvanJankovicDC]

Lol, 😂😂😂 west discovers active recall in 2024

[@frankchiputa222]

Need the full video

[@steve3586rgt]

A link to the full video is in the last 15 seconds of this video.

[@jonsgmailaccount1172]

How many women did he have to cheat on to make this podcast?

[@hi4931]

Just 2, being both your moms

[@goat8614]

Lucky man