Evidence-based learning
The science behind smarter studying
Every feature in Scholium is grounded in peer-reviewed cognitive science research. We don't guess what works—we build on decades of evidence about how humans actually learn.
Research-backed techniques
Five powerful learning strategies with proven effect sizes
Successive Relearning
Requiring three or more correct recalls across separate study sessions produces massive, durable retention gains. This is the single most effective technique identified in learning science research.
Rawson & Dunlosky (2022). Psychological Science.
How Scholium uses this:
Our enhanced FSRS algorithm tracks successive correct recalls across sessions, not just single reviews. Cards require 3+ correct recalls in separate sessions before achieving "mastered" status.
Testing Effect (Retrieval Practice)
Actively retrieving information from memory—through flashcards, practice tests, or free recall—is dramatically more effective than passive review like re-reading or highlighting.
Adesope, Trevisan, & Sundararajan (2017). Review of Educational Research.
How Scholium uses this:
Every study material we generate prioritizes active retrieval: flashcards with hidden answers, practice quizzes, and free recall exercises where you write what you remember before seeing the content.
Spaced Practice
Distributing study sessions over time, rather than cramming everything into one marathon session, consistently produces better long-term retention across all types of material.
Cepeda, Pashler, Vul, Wixted, & Rohrer (2006). Psychological Bulletin.
How Scholium uses this:
FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) calculates optimal review intervals based on your performance. The algorithm predicts when you're about to forget and schedules reviews at the mathematically optimal moment.
Elaborative Interrogation
Asking yourself "why" and "how" questions while studying forces deeper processing and creates stronger memory traces than simply reading for understanding.
Dunlosky, Rawson, Marsh, Nathan, & Willingham (2013). Psychological Science in the Public Interest.
How Scholium uses this:
Our AI generates "why" and "how" questions alongside factual recall cards. These elaborative questions connect new information to existing knowledge and promote deeper understanding.
Interleaving
Mixing different topics or problem types during practice—rather than blocking by topic—improves discrimination and long-term retention, even though it feels harder in the moment.
Brunmair & Richter (2019). Psychological Bulletin.
How Scholium uses this:
Review sessions intelligently mix cards from different topics and difficulty levels. Our algorithm balances interleaving benefits against cognitive load, adapting the mix based on your performance.
Measuring impact
Understanding Effect Sizes
Effect size measures how much a technique improves learning compared to a control group. Cohen's d and Hedges' g are standard measures used in educational research.
These numbers tell us not just whether something works, but how well it works. A technique with d = 0.8 produces improvements that are clearly noticeable in practice, while d = 4.19 represents an extraordinary, almost unprecedented effect.
Noticeable but modest improvement
Substantial, practically significant
Major improvement
Successive relearning is remarkably powerful
Most students use ineffective study methods
Research consistently shows that students' preferred study strategies—re-reading, highlighting, and cramming—are among the least effective. Meanwhile, the most powerful techniques feel harder and less intuitive.
What most students do
- Re-reading notes and textbooks
- Highlighting and underlining
- Cramming before exams
- Passive video watching
What actually works
- Active recall through testing
- Spaced repetition over time
- Interleaved practice
- Elaborative questioning
Scholium bridges this gap by making evidence-based techniques effortless. You don't need to understand the research—just upload your materials and let our system apply these principles automatically.
Ready to study smarter?
Start using research-backed learning techniques today—no PhD in cognitive science required.