Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Review Notes Without Rereading
What it is Turn your notes into questions, teach the material aloud, or redraw diagrams from memory — active review beats passive rereading. When to use it Within 24 hours of taking notes and again before tests. How to do it Cover the right column; answer cue questions from memory. Explain the summary to an…
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Mind Maps vs Outlines
What it is Outlines are linear (I, II, III); mind maps branch from a central idea. Both organize information — pick based on how the topic connects. When to use it Mind maps for brainstorming and big-picture topics; outlines for essays and step-by-step processes. How to do it Identify the main topic or thesis. Choose…
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How to Take Cornell Notes
What it is Divide your page into cues (left), notes (right), and summary (bottom). Cues are questions or keywords; notes are lecture content. When to use it During live lectures, video lessons, or while reading textbooks. How to do it Draw a vertical line ~⅓ from the left. Take notes on the right during class.…
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Beat Procrastination With a 2-Minute Start
What it is Starting is the hardest part. Commit to just 2 minutes — often you continue once momentum builds. When to use it Use when you keep delaying a task you know you should do. How to do it Set a timer for 2 minutes. Open materials and do the smallest possible step. When…
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Time Blocking Your Study Plan
What it is Time blocking assigns each hour a specific job — math 4–5pm, history 5–6pm — instead of a vague “study later.” When to use it Plan blocks at the start of each week or each evening for the next day. How to do it List subjects and estimate hours needed this week. Put…
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Pomodoro Technique for Students
What it is Work in focused 25-minute blocks (Pomodoros), then take a 5-minute break. After four blocks, take a longer 15–30 minute break. When to use it Use for homework, reading, problem sets, or any task where your phone distracts you. How to do it Choose one task and set a timer for 25 minutes.…
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A Review Schedule That Actually Works
What it is A simple schedule: Day 0 learn, Day 1 review, Day 3 review, Day 7 review, Day 14 review. Adjust if you forget. When to use it Apply to every important chapter or unit during the semester. How to do it After class, write a one-page summary (Day 0). Quick 10-minute recall session…
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The Leitner Box Technique
What it is The Leitner system uses boxes (or app decks) — cards you know move to longer-interval boxes; cards you miss return to box one. When to use it Ideal if you study with physical flashcards or apps like Anki. How to do it Start all new cards in box 1 (review daily). Move…
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Spaced Repetition Explained Simply
What it is Spaced repetition spreads review over increasing intervals — today, tomorrow, in 3 days, in a week — so facts move into long-term memory. When to use it Use for anything you must remember for weeks or months: languages, science terms, history dates. How to do it Review new material within 24 hours…
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Why Practice Tests Beat Rereading
What it is Practice tests simulate exam conditions and reveal weak spots. Research shows testing strengthens memory more than passive review. When to use it Start weekly practice tests at least 3–4 weeks before major exams. How to do it Gather old papers, textbook questions, or write your own. Time yourself and attempt without notes.…
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