What are proven techniques for memorizing information quickly?

Spaced repetition is one of the most evidence-backed methods, where you review information at increasing intervals to strengthen memory consolidation. Tools like Anki automate this process. Active recall, where you test yourself rather than passively re-reading, is consistently shown to outperform highlighting or rereading. The method of loci (memory palace) works well for ordered lists or large amounts of information by associating items with familiar locations. Chunking breaks complex information into meaningful groups, like memorizing a phone number in segments. Elaborative encoding, where you connect new information to things you already know, creates stronger neural pathways. Teaching the material to someone else, known as the Feynman technique, also forces deeper processing and reveals gaps in understanding.