Research-backed study guides
Articles on learning science, study systems, AI tools, and focus — the thinking behind the A+ Academy method.
Dual Coding: How Combining Visuals With Words Accelerates Learning
Dual coding theory says information stored as both words and images is retrieved more easily than information stored as text alone — here's how to apply it without being an artist.
February 25, 2026 learning scienceConcrete Examples: The Underrated Learning Strategy That Works for Everything
Abstract definitions are hard to remember and harder to apply. Generating your own concrete examples for every concept makes both easier — here's how.
February 22, 2026 learning scienceElaborative Interrogation: How Asking 'Why?' Makes Information Stick
Elaborative interrogation means asking 'why is this true?' for every fact you study, and answering it yourself before checking. Here's why it works and how to apply it.
February 19, 2026 learning scienceHow Long Should a Study Session Be? What Cognitive Science Says
There's no single magic number, but research on attention and diminishing returns points to a workable range for focused study blocks — and how to structure a full day around them.
February 16, 2026 learning scienceThe Testing Effect: Why Practice Tests Outperform Every Other Study Method
The testing effect shows that taking a practice test builds memory more effectively than spending the same time re-studying — even when you get answers wrong.
February 13, 2026 learning scienceWhy Re-Reading Your Notes Is Almost Useless (And What to Do Instead)
Re-reading feels productive because it builds familiarity, not memory. Here's the research on why it underperforms, and what to replace it with.
February 10, 2026 learning scienceInterleaving vs Blocked Practice: The Counterintuitive Way to Study
Why mixing topics together during practice (interleaving) produces better long-term results than mastering one topic at a time (blocked practice) — and how to apply it.
February 7, 2026 learning scienceThe Feynman Technique: How to Learn Anything by Teaching It
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Feynman Technique — explaining a concept in plain language to find and fix the gaps in your own understanding.
February 4, 2026 learning scienceSpaced Repetition Explained: The Science and a System You Can Start Today
How spaced repetition works, why cramming can't compete with it, and a simple interval schedule you can run with index cards or any flashcard app.
February 1, 2026 ai toolsThe AI Study Tools Worth Using (And the Ones That Aren't)
A practical look at where AI genuinely helps studying — explanation, quizzing, and flashcard generation — and where it gets in the way.
January 25, 2026 learning scienceActive Recall: The One Method That Changes Everything
Why active recall outperforms re-reading and highlighting, and how to build it into a daily study routine without extra tools.
January 10, 2026