test yourself as you’re encountering new material. Recall is a simple example of this mini-testing.

taking a couple minutes to summarize or recall material you are trying to learn

Recently, I found this great application called Highly (you should use this!). They make it really simple to highlight any article that I’m reading on the web using a Chrome extension.

Highlighting or underlining are also techniques that often lead to this illusion of learning. On the other hand, brief notes that summarize keys concepts are much more effective.

First, survey and priming — this involves scanning a book or the syllabus of a course, for example, to get a general idea of the bigger picture. Second, observe an example. Then, do it yourself. And, finally, do it again and again in different contexts.

take breaks, meditate, think about other things, and give yourself plenty of time in both modes.