Use when long-term knowledge retention is needed (weeks to months), studying for exams or certifications, learning new job skills or technology, mastering substantial material that requires systematic review, combating forgetting through spaced repetition and retrieval practice, or when user mentions studying, memorizing, learning plans, spaced repetition, flashcards, active recall, or durable learning.
View on GitHubskills/memory-retrieval-learning/SKILL.md
January 24, 2026
Select agents to install to:
npx add-skill https://github.com/lyndonkl/claude/blob/main/skills/memory-retrieval-learning/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill memory-retrieval-learningInstallation paths:
.claude/skills/memory-retrieval-learning/# Memory, Retrieval & Learning ## Table of Contents - [Purpose](#purpose) - [When to Use](#when-to-use) - [What Is It](#what-is-it) - [Workflow](#workflow) - [Common Patterns](#common-patterns) - [Guardrails](#guardrails) - [Quick Reference](#quick-reference) ## Purpose Create evidence-based learning plans that maximize long-term retention through spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and interleaving. ## When to Use Use memory-retrieval-learning when you need to: **Exam & Certification Prep:** - Study for professional certifications (AWS, CPA, PMP, bar exam, medical boards) - Prepare for academic exams (SAT, GRE, finals) - Master substantial material over weeks/months - Retain knowledge for high-stakes tests **Professional Learning:** - Learn new technology stack or programming language - Master company product knowledge - Study industry regulations and compliance - Transition to new career field - Learn software tools and methodologies **Language Learning:** - Master vocabulary and grammar rules - Learn verb conjugations and sentence patterns - Study pronunciation and idioms - Build conversational fluency **Skill Mastery:** - Learn complex procedures (medical, technical, safety) - Master formulas, equations, or algorithms - Memorize taxonomies or classification systems - Study historical facts, dates, or sequences ## What Is It Memory-retrieval-learning applies cognitive science research on how humans learn durably: **Key Principles:** 1. **Spaced Repetition**: Review material at increasing intervals (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days) 2. **Retrieval Practice**: Test yourself actively rather than passively re-reading 3. **Interleaving**: Mix different topics/types rather than blocking by type 4. **Elaboration**: Connect new knowledge to existing understanding **Quick Example:** Learning Spanish verb conjugations: ``` Week 1: Learn 20 new verbs → Test yourself same day Week 1: Review those 20 verbs after 1 day → Test Week 1: Review after 3 days