I’ve found chunking—grasping and practicing key mental techniques until I know them like a song—to be the missing link in my search for true ownership of whatever it is that I’m learning. Giving myself a preview of the lesson, key concepts, and summary primes my brain for what is ahead and is like a set of support rails that frame my study sessions. Learning a new concept and then closing my eyes and recalling what I have just learned leaves me with no hiding place. I can’t fake it anymore. If I’ve truly grasped it, I’ll be able to recall it. If not, I go again.
