Learning the COLREGS is simply converting a large body of new information into long term memory.The good news is you don’t have to spending long hours studying to achieve this – quite the opposite! Scientific research has proven the the human brain needs time to form the synaptic structures and connections that make up long-term memories.
The science of Spaced Repetition supports short periods of reinforcement over a period of time.
Learners that review new information within the first 24 hours of consumption have been found to retain approximately 80% of the content.
A second review within 48 hours and that increases to 85%.
The magic really happens with a third review within 72 hours where the recall rate becomes nearly 100%! Each time you visit this information it becomes further embedded into your long term memory.
Lets test the theory.
- Choose a Regulation that you struggle with.
- Read it 3 times to yourself, 3 times out loud or to a friend and explain that rule to your dog or someone who doesn’t know their Ports from Starboards.
- Write the rule on a note card.
- Set an alarm for 12-24hrs time, close the book and walk away.
- Using your note card or POLLY (our rule of the road trainer), spend no more than 5 minutes reviewing and testing yourself.
REPEATS STEPs 4 and 5.
As this technique begins to work we can slowly add rules to our note cards. Introduce a new card each day while doing a quick refresh on those you’ve already learnt.
As your collection gets bigger you can start to organise your cards. If you answer one correctly put it into a section that you will revisit less frequently in the future. However, if you don’t get it right, put it in a group that you will continue to visit more frequently.