The Cognitive Science of Studying: 16 Principles for Faster Learning
Discover how principles like retrieval practice, spaced repetition, and metacognition can help you learn faster and remember longer.
Recent Academy articles.
What is Retrieval Practice (& How Can It Help You Learn Faster)?
Learn how retrieval practice trains your brain to lock in knowledge for the long haul and the strategies you can use to stop passively studying and start recalling.
Move and Copy Individual Cards on Mobile (and Other News for November 2025)
Improved flashcard editing features on mobile and web, new certified flashcard collections, and our Assistant Content Manager loves to paint with acrylics. Our final newsletter for 2025 is here...
What is Spaced Repetition (& Why Is It Key To All Learning)?
Learn what spaced repetition is, why it matters for memory and learning, and how modern study methods use it to help you remember more with less effort.
What Is Cognitive Load Theory? (& Why Too Much Info At Once Hurts Learning)
Learn what Cognitive Load Theory is, why too much information at once overloads your brain, and how you can negotiate it to minimize the pain of studying (while maximizing retention).
How to Use Social Motivation to Study
Can you use social motivation to improve your learning? Yes! In this article we explain how, as well as why we study harder, perform better, and stay more accountable when others are watching.
The “What the Hell" Effect & How to Conquer Its Vicious Cycle
Discover the psychology behind the "What the Hell Effect" and how to break the cycle, end self-sabotaging habits, and turn regret into resolve.
What Is Active Recall (& How Can It Help You Pass Your Exams)?
Learn what active recall is, why it beats traditional study methods, and how digital flashcards leverage it to help you learn much faster!
How To Practice TOEFL Listening Skills (With Free Videos)
In this TOEFL listening practice guide, you’ll learn about the section format, get strategies and test-day advice, and train with free practice videos.
Advanced English Speaking Practice Prompts for the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, & CELPIP
Free English speaking practice prompts for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and CELPIP learners to help them hone their speaking skills for any advanced English class or exam.
Advanced English Reading Practice Questions for the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, & CELPIP
Free English reading practice questions for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and CELPIP learners to help them hone their reading skills for any advanced English class or exam.
6 Tips For TOEFL Reading Practice (Plus Question Bank)
Improve your TOEFL reading practice with tips, strategies, and sample questions to master vocabulary, timing, and comprehension before test day.
How To Practice TOEFL Speaking Skills (with Free Speaking Practice Prompts)
In this TOEFL speaking practice guide, you’ll learn about the section format, get strategies and test-day advice, and train with free speaking practice prompts.
5 Tips For TOEFL Writing Practice (Plus Question Bank)
TOEFL writing practice guide with expert tips, strategies, and a question bank to help you plan, organize, and write clear essays under time pressure.
Advanced English Writing Practice Questions for the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, & CELPIP
Free English writing practice questions for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and CELPIP learners to help them hone their writing skills for any advanced English class or exam.
The Ultimate TOEFL Study Guide: The Best Study Strategies To Do Well
This TOEFL study guide covers exam structure, study timelines, test-day tips, and strategies to improve vocabulary, grammar, and exam scores in preparation for the TOEFL.
What Is Metacognition (& How Can It Help You Remember Faster)?
Learn what metacognition is, why it’s such a powerful strategy for remembering just about anything, and how digital flashcards are the key to unlocking it.
What Is Confidence-Based Repetition (& Why Does It Make Learning Feel Effortless)?
Discover how confidence-based repetition boosts retention, sharpens metacognition, and makes every study session more efficient.
What is Free Recall (& How Can You Train Your Brain to Remember More)?
Learn what free recall is, why it’s a powerful way to solidify your memory no matter what you’re learning, and the best tools to train your brain to recall more, faster, and longer.
What Is Scaffolding in Education (& How Does It Boost Learning?)
Discover what scaffolding in education means, how it supports students’ learning step-by-step, and what study tools, like digital flashcards, you can use to build mastery.
What Are Variable Rewards (& How Can Unpredictability Boost Your Motivation)?
Learn what variable rewards are, why unpredictability boosts motivation, and how modern study methods use it to help you learn (or teach) more with less effort.
What is Hyperbolic Discounting (& Why Is It Keeping You From Your Goals)?
Learn what hyperbolic discounting is, why it sabotages your long-term goals, and how digital flashcards can help you beat it to meet your learning goals.
What is Generative Processing? How Making Meaning Helps Memory Stick
Learn what generative processing is, why it matters for memory and learning, and how modern study methods use it to help you remember more with less effort.
What Is Bloom’s 2 Sigma Problem? (& Why It Matters In Education)
Learn what Bloom’s 2 Sigma Problem is, why individualized instruction outperforms group teaching, and how tools like digital flashcards can help bridge the gap.
Brainscape Labs: Advancing the Science of Studying Through Real-World Data
Brainscape launches a new research grant program to encourage innovation in modern learning science and its application in classrooms.