A blank-page recall, sometimes called a brain dump, is narration in writing. Take a blank sheet, set a timer for a few minutes, and write or sketch everything you remember about a topic.
- Write everything you can, in any order.
- When you are stuck, wait. Ask yourself questions: Who? When? Why?
- Then open the book and check.
- Add what you missed in a different color. Those are the things to review first next time.
Key idea
The second color is your study list. It shows exactly where to spend the next review.
Worked example: Worked example
Rosa does a blank-page recall of the water cycle. She writes evaporation, condensation and precipitation but leaves out collection. What should her next review focus on?
- Her page shows three of the four stages.
- The missing stage is collection.
Answer: Collection, the part she missed.
Why it works
Recall is harder than recognition, and that effort is what makes memories last. The page also shows you what you know, so you don't waste time on the rest.
Common mistake
Using the blank page only once. Do it again at the next review and watch the second color shrink.