Retaining information learned in computer science classes [closed]

Retaining information learned in computer science classes [closed]

I'm a computer science student currently enrolled in a masters program. I've learned all kinds of interesting technical information this semester, and was wondering what is the best way to keep this information in my brain so I don't forget. I could solve any of the problems in my text books right now, and will probably do great on the final exams, but in a few months from now, I'm not so sure if I would be able to solve as many problems, and I'm not confident I would do as well on the final exams if I had to retake them. Seems like a waste to spend all that money on tuition if I'm just going to forget it all. What's the best way to keep it fresh? If it's not possible to keep it all in my brain, then I would at least like to figure out a system to commit it to a knowledge base where it can easily be recalled as needed.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 348

Total answers/comments: 3

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Guest [Entry]

"In my experience, you have to use it or lose it. The best programmers I know are the 'total geeks' who love programming. They write code of all sorts every day. That C# client might pay the bills, but when they go home they are writing expert systems or contributing to open source projects.

There is some research that indicates it takes 10 years to master something. Chess, music, whatever. The difference between people who spend 10 years showing up for work and those who spend the same 10 years mastering their craft is in how those 10 years are spent. As it turns out, you just can't spend your days doing the same thing - you have to push yourself. It's through this constant striving that you'll retain what you learned in school (because you'll need it) and you'll be learning much more."

Guest [Entry]

"Ah, If only there were Git for my brains, I could say I haven't lost my mind, its backed up somewhere.
True life alas is not so yet.

However, while you will not recall the method to solve every problem you can work on today,
feel good with the idea that your mind is not like your computer harddisk.
The way it remembers things is (in some ways) more like the content-addressable-memories in there.

So, while you will forget the techniques, the general concepts will be soaked in your brains.
You may use them later in your life to solve completely different problems (ones you never saw in your schooling life).
When you do see problems to solve later, and you take efforts to solve them -- that is when you will continue to 'remember'.

In that sense, you have something no computer manufacturer can afford --
Lots of CAM and Error Correction!
Keep solving them problems..."

Guest [Entry]

I recommend a Supermemo type of flashcard software. I use Mnemosyne.