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Tom Gillespie

Nov 15, 2025 • 6 minutes

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Quiz Tips

Proven Techniques for Learning and Building General Knowledge

Turning Knowledge into a Habit

We live in a world overflowing with information. Yet the ability to learn efficiently and retain knowledge remains a skill that separates successful learners from casual readers. Whether you’re studying for professional growth, improving general knowledge, or training your brain through apps like Quizified, the most effective learners rely on evidence-based strategies rather than guesswork.

Cognitive scientists have identified several proven techniques – including spaced practice, interleaving, retrieval practice, elaboration, dual coding, and concrete examples – that significantly improve understanding and memory (Dunlosky et al., 2013; Weinstein et al., 2018). These methods are easy to apply and suitable for anyone seeking smarter ways to learn.

To understand how spacing and repetition strengthen memory, read The Power of Repetition in Learning.

1. Spaced Practice: The Foundation of Long-Term Learning

Spaced practice involves revisiting information at increasing intervals over time. This method prevents forgetting and promotes deep consolidation, as explained by the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve. Each review session refreshes neural connections, reinforcing memory before it decays.

A 2019 meta-analysis in Educational Psychology Review found that students using spaced schedules outperformed those who studied the same material in single sessions by an average of 23%. Spacing distributes cognitive effort and supports long-term retention.

Practical tip: Use calendar reminders or learning apps that employ spaced repetition algorithms, such as Quizified or Anki, to automate your review schedule.

Learn how daily learning enhances this effect in Daily Practice vs. Weekly Cramming.

2. Retrieval Practice: Strengthening Memory Through Testing

Rather than rereading notes, retrieval practice asks the learner to recall information from memory – an act that dramatically improves retention. Each retrieval strengthens neural pathways associated with that knowledge.

In a landmark study, Karpicke and Roediger (2008) showed that students who actively tested themselves remembered over 50% more after one week than those who simply re-read material. This technique forms the basis of flashcards, quizzes, and question-based learning.

Apps like Quizified use retrieval practice intuitively. Every trivia question requires recall, reinforcing long-term memory while keeping engagement high. This simple, enjoyable format embodies what scientists describe as desirable difficulty – challenging enough to stimulate learning, but not discouraging.

Explore how retrieval interacts with repetition in The Power of Repetition in Learning.

3. Interleaving: Mixing Topics to Build Flexible Thinking

Interleaving means alternating between different subjects or question types within a study session. Unlike blocked practice, which focuses on one topic until mastery, interleaving forces the brain to differentiate and connect concepts, improving problem-solving and adaptability.

For example, mixing geography, history, and science questions in a single Quizified session encourages the learner to switch contexts and retrieve information dynamically. A 2015 study in Applied Cognitive Psychology showed that interleaved learners performed 76% better on transfer tasks requiring flexible reasoning.

Interleaving strengthens cognitive flexibility, an essential component of general knowledge – allowing facts and ideas to be used creatively in conversation, problem-solving, or trivia games.

To see how varied learning improves engagement, visit What Is Trivia? Why It Matters and How It Can Be Fun.

4. Elaboration: Making Connections That Stick

Elaboration is the process of expanding on what you learn by asking “why” and “how.” By linking new information to existing knowledge, you create multiple retrieval routes in memory.

For instance, if you learn that photosynthesis converts sunlight into energy, you might elaborate by connecting it to human energy use or the carbon cycle. Each association makes recall easier and comprehension deeper.

Elaborative interrogation – asking “Why does this make sense?” – has been shown to enhance recall by over 20% compared with rote memorisation (Pressley et al., 1992). Writing summaries, teaching someone else, or playing explanation-based quizzes are all forms of elaboration.

5. Dual Coding: Pairing Words with Visuals

The dual-coding theory (Paivio, 1971) suggests that information presented through both verbal and visual channels strengthens learning. Combining text with images, diagrams, or videos helps the brain encode the material in multiple ways.

Educational apps and platforms use this effectively by integrating audio, icons, and colour cues. For example, Quizified employs visual elements such as categories and progress charts to reinforce memory alongside written questions.

Practical tip: When studying, sketch mind maps or create simple visual associations. The combination of imagery and explanation activates separate memory systems, improving recall.

See how mobile learning apps apply multimedia theory in Learning with Mobile Apps.

6. Concrete Examples: Making Ideas Tangible

Abstract ideas become more memorable when grounded in concrete examples. For instance, learning about “supply and demand” becomes clearer when applied to the price of football tickets or petrol.

In a 2014 study published in Memory & Cognition, learners who linked theoretical concepts to relatable examples retained information 35% longer. This approach is especially useful for building general knowledge, as it helps connect facts across contexts – exactly what trivia and quiz games are designed to do.

By drawing examples from everyday life, learners strengthen comprehension and bridge the gap between understanding and application.

7. Formative Assessment: Tracking Progress

Formative assessment is the practice of checking your understanding regularly to adapt your learning approach. Self-testing, reflection journals, or progress dashboards help identify weaknesses early, allowing targeted revision.

A 2018 study in Assessment in Education found that learners who engaged in regular formative self-assessment improved final test performance by 30% compared with those who waited until final evaluation. Frequent, low-pressure testing fosters confidence and metacognitive awareness – knowing how you learn best.

Quizified’s score feedback system performs a similar role by providing immediate insight into strengths and weaknesses across topics.

Learn how consistent self-testing reinforces knowledge in The Power of Repetition in Learning.

8. Metacognition: Thinking About How You Learn

Metacognition – “thinking about thinking” – is a higher-order process that allows learners to evaluate their understanding and adjust strategies. By reflecting on what works and what doesn’t, learners develop autonomy and efficiency.

In a 2020 Journal of Educational Psychology study, students trained in metacognitive strategies improved comprehension and recall across multiple subjects. This reflective habit turns learning into a self-improving cycle: plan, monitor, evaluate, and refine.

Practical methods include setting clear learning goals, reviewing errors, and adjusting methods based on results – for example, noticing that you recall trivia better when practising in the morning versus late at night.

Explore how daily consistency supports metacognitive habits in Daily Practice vs. Weekly Cramming.

Applying These Techniques with Technology

Modern learning apps integrate many of these scientific principles seamlessly. Quizified, for example, combines retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and interleaving through varied question sets and timed challenges. This not only improves knowledge retention but also keeps the experience enjoyable.

Using technology as a cognitive partner allows learners to focus on curiosity and challenge rather than structure. In other words, the app handles the science – you reap the results.

Science-Backed Learning for a Smarter You

Effective learning is not about innate intelligence – it’s about using the brain the way science says it works best. Techniques such as spaced practice, retrieval, interleaving, elaboration, and dual coding build lasting understanding by working with, not against, the mind’s natural systems.

By combining these strategies with modern tools like Quizified, you can turn casual curiosity into powerful general knowledge and lifelong learning habits.

Start learning smarter today.
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