Why doing problems beats reading notes for studying effectively?

[CheryD]

I used to think studying meant reading my textbook and notes over and over. Then I took a math class where that strategy completely failed.

My professor said: 'You wouldn't learn to play piano by reading about it. You have to practice.'

So I started doing practice problems—lots of them. For every hour of reading, I'd spend two hours actively solving problems. My understanding deepened dramatically. Now for any subject, I find practice questions or make my own. Active practice beats passive reading every time . If you're just rereading, switch to doing.

 

[Brooks]

The testing effect (also called retrieval practice) shows that actively recalling information strengthens neural connections way more than passive review. Reading notes is like watching someone else work out. Doing problems is actually lifting the weight.

Your professor's piano analogy is perfect because it captures the skill-building aspect. You can't learn an instrument by reading sheet music. You have to PLAY.

For every class now, I find practice problems or make flashcards. Active > passive always.