Final answer:
The most effective strategy for long-term retention is spreading out learning and repeated self-testing, as these methods align with how memory consolidation works and combat the rapid decay of new information as demonstrated by Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering strategies for long-term retention of material, the evidence strongly supports spreading out learning over time and repeatedly testing yourself as opposed to cramming and re-reading material. This method, known as distributed practice, aligns with the idea of memory consolidation requiring time. Testing oneself reinforces learning by requiring recall, and this active retrieval practice has been shown to be more effective than passive review techniques like rereading. Hermann Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve demonstrates that memory for new information decays rapidly without repeated exposure and engagement with the material.
Elaborative rehearsal, such as making personal connections to the material or elaborating on the details, is another effective memory-enhancing strategy. It promotes deeper processing which aids in transferring information into long-term memory. The use of organizational and mnemonic strategies like chunking can also improve memory by structuring information into manageable bits that are easier to recall.
Overall, effective study techniques involve a mix of distributed learning, self-testing, elaborative rehearsal, and organizational strategies to not only enhance memorization but also to understand the underlying concepts, leading to more durable and accessible long-term memory.