Exam Time? or Needing to retain information?

Exam Time? or Needing to retain information?

“Cramming all the learning into one night before the exam usually doesn’t work. You memorize things a lot better if you learn them repeatedly, over multiple sessions.” – Phil, N. K. D.

A recent article suggests that our cells are capable of holding certain memories. In a recent study, published in Nature Communications, they report findings regarding the memory capabilities of the cells that make up our body. More interestingly, it is suggested that they might just have a preferred and more effective way of retaining these memories. Specifically, that a cell will learn more and retain information for longer, if the desired information is exposed to the cell over multiple sessions. While on the other hand, if the same amount of information is crammed into one session, the cells will not only learn less information, but will even retain the information for less time.

As neurons in the brain are comprised of cells, it would be safe to suggest that they will also follow this same logic. Meaning, when you really need to get the most out of any new information, it will be far more productive to spread it out you’re learning over a period of days, rather than try to fit everything into on session.

Ref (Sebastian Kaulitzki/Shutterstock)

Reference:

Phil, N. K. D. (2025, November 8). Why cramming doesn’t work. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/small-things-big-questions/202411/why-cramming-doesnt-work