Principlev1
Match your study method to your anticipated retrieval
Match your study method to your anticipated retrieval method—if you will need to explain verbally, study by explaining; if you will need to apply to novel problems, study by application; if you will need to write, study by writing.
Why This Is a Principle
This derives from Context-Dependent Memory Encoding (memory retrieval is context-dependent based on matching between encoding and retrieval contexts) and Externalization Exposes Hidden Structure (externalizing thought through writing, explaining, or articulation exposes gaps and converts tacit to explicit). Transfer-appropriate processing, presented in the lesson, shows that cognitive processing type at encoding must match retrieval type. This is prescriptive guidance derived from axioms about context-dependent memory and externalization.