How we use proven learning science to help you learn more effectively
At Memo, we've built our platform on the foundation of cognitive science and educational psychology. Every feature is designed to align with how the human mind actually learns and retains information. We combine AI-driven convenience with research-validated study methods to create a learning experience that's not just efficient, but also effective for long-term retention and understanding.
Active Recall
Active recall is the process of actively stimulating memory during the learning process. Rather than passively reviewing information, active recall forces you to retrieve information from memory, which strengthens neural pathways and improves long-term retention.
How Memo implements Active Recall:
Learn Mode: Tests your knowledge with flashcards that prompt you to recall information before revealing answers
Flashcard Mode: Traditional question-and-answer format that requires active retrieval of information
Track Mode: Structured learning paths with interactive quizzes that test your understanding
Toggle Notes Generation: In notes mode, you can toggle between seeing full information and testing yourself
Mindmap Mode with Toggles: Interactive concept maps that allow you to hide information and test your recall
Spaced Repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. This approach leverages the psychological spacing effect, which demonstrates that information is more effectively encoded into long-term memory when studied over spaced intervals rather than all at once.
How Memo implements Spaced Repetition:
FSRS Algorithm: Our Learn Mode uses the Fuzzy Spaced Repetition System, an advanced algorithm that optimizes review intervals based on your performance
Adaptive Scheduling: Flashcards you find difficult appear more frequently, while those you know well are shown less often
Performance Tracking: The system tracks your performance over time and adjusts intervals accordingly
Forgetting Curves: Our algorithm models your individual forgetting curves to schedule reviews just before you're likely to forget
Elaborative Interrogation
Elaborative interrogation involves asking and answering "why" and "how" questions about the material you're learning. This technique helps you connect new information to existing knowledge, creating deeper understanding and more robust memory networks.
How Memo implements Elaborative Interrogation:
Memo Voice Tutors: AI-powered tutors that engage you in dialogue about the material, asking probing questions that require deeper thinking
AI Professor in Track Mode: Guides your learning with questions that challenge your understanding and prompt you to explain concepts
Interactive Lessons: Structured content that includes prompts for self-questioning and explanation
Copilot Chat: Allows you to ask questions about your study material and receive explanations that deepen your understanding
Feynman Technique (Self-Explanation)
Named after physicist Richard Feynman, this technique involves explaining concepts in simple terms as if teaching someone else. The process of simplifying complex ideas helps identify gaps in understanding and reinforces learning.
How Memo implements the Feynman Technique:
Feynman Mode: A dedicated study mode that prompts you to explain concepts in your own words
Explanation Prompts: Throughout the platform, you'll find prompts asking you to explain concepts before seeing the answer
Simplification Challenges: Tasks that ask you to break down complex ideas into simpler components
Teaching Simulations: Interactive scenarios where you practice explaining concepts to virtual students
Interleaved Practice
Interleaved practice involves mixing different types of problems or content within a single study session, rather than focusing on one type at a time. This approach improves discrimination between different concepts and enhances transfer of learning to new situations.
How Memo implements Interleaved Practice:
Infinite Canvas: Our infinite canvas feature allows you to organize and connect different topics, facilitating the interleaving of related concepts
Mixed Review Sessions: Learn mode can combine flashcards from different decks or topics in a single session
Cross-Topic Connections: AI-generated connections between different subjects help you see relationships and practice across domains
Varied Question Types: Within a single study session, you'll encounter multiple question formats (multiple choice, short answer, etc.)
Practice Testing
Practice testing involves self-testing or taking practice tests on material you're trying to learn. This technique has been shown to be one of the most effective learning strategies, as it combines active recall with feedback on performance.
How Memo implements Practice Testing:
Practice Test Mode: Dedicated testing environments that simulate exam conditions
Quizzes in Track Mode: Structured assessments that test your understanding at key points in the learning journey
Multiple Question Formats: Support for various question types including multiple choice, short answer, and matching
Performance Analytics: Detailed feedback on test performance to help identify areas for improvement
AI-Generated Practice Questions: Our AI can generate new practice questions based on your study material
Bloom's Taxonomy
Bloom's Taxonomy is a hierarchical framework for categorizing educational goals, ranging from lower-order thinking skills (remembering, understanding) to higher-order thinking skills (applying, analyzing, evaluating, creating). Effective learning involves engaging with material at all levels of the taxonomy.
How Memo implements Bloom's Taxonomy:
Remembering: Basic flashcards for memorization of facts, terms, and concepts
Understanding: Explanatory notes and concept maps to help grasp meaning
Applying: Problem-solving exercises that require application of knowledge
Analyzing: Comparative questions and analytical challenges
Evaluating: Critical thinking prompts and evaluation exercises
Creating: Synthesis activities and creative application challenges
AI Application Across Bloom's Taxonomy
Memo's AI capabilities are designed to support learning at every level of Bloom's Taxonomy, from basic recall to complex creation. Our intelligent systems adapt to your learning needs and help you engage with material in increasingly sophisticated ways.
How Memo's AI supports each level:
Remembering: AI generates optimized flashcards for key facts and concepts
Understanding: AI tutors provide explanations and answer questions to deepen comprehension
Applying: AI creates scenarios and problems that require application of knowledge
Analyzing: AI prompts comparative analysis and helps identify patterns and relationships
Evaluating: AI challenges your thinking with counterarguments and alternative perspectives
Creating: AI provides frameworks and prompts for creative synthesis of information
Research Foundation
Our approach is grounded in decades of cognitive science and educational psychology research. The techniques implemented in Memo have been validated through numerous studies and meta-analyses showing their effectiveness for learning and retention.
Key research that informs our approach:
Dunlosky, J., et al. (2013). Improving students' learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology.
Karpicke, J. D., & Blunt, J. R. (2011). Retrieval practice produces more learning than elaborative studying with concept mapping.
Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: Taking memory tests improves long-term retention.
Bjork, R. A., & Bjork, E. L. (1992). A new theory of disuse and an old theory of stimulus fluctuation.
Ebbinghaus, H. (1885/1913). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology.
Ready to experience evidence-based learning?
Join thousands of students who are already using Memo to learn more effectively and efficiently.
