[Deviate]

The answer depends on what you're trying to learn and for what purpose, as it will dictate what learning strategies you utilize.

For example, if you're studying to retain information for educational purposes (and reproduce in an exam environment) then research has indicated that reading and rereading have the lowest utility (return on time invested) in the 10 common strategies used by students. The strategy offering the highest utility was practice testing under exam conditions.

If you are reading to learn about a topic that requires you to retain information in a sequential manner, then using learning techniques such as a memory palace can be helpful. This is a technique that allows you to picture a room you know very well and associate blocks of information with objects in that room while you are learning. It's a very common way to deal with performance anxiety which manifests as blank memory.

I'm happy to share some thoughts on potential approaches if you offer some clarity on what your desired outcome is.

[jonpurdy]

In my case, I have found using an SRS like Anki helps me the most. - Forces me to break down what I need or want to learn into small digestible pieces (in the form of question/answer, or a cloze deletion). - Fast and easy to add to Anki which means I don't lose context and can continue reading easily. - The nature of SRS means I will remember this later on.

Thanks for previously posting that link to the 10 strategies in your reply below!

[harblcat]

Is there a list of those 10 common strategies? Just out of curiosity.

[Deviate]

Yes, there is. This is an informal article discussing the strategies: https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/dunlosky...

And this is the more formal research: https://pcl.sitehost.iu.edu/rgoldsto/courses/dunloskyimprovi...

[joflicu]

What if you are learning something for work - say advanced computer networking (reading textbooks, papers etc) - how would you approach this?

[Deviate]

What is the purpose of learning? It is memorization for a test at work or will you be able to keep notes close to you while working? If you can add some detail I'll be able to give a suggestion.

[joflicu]

The purpose of learning is for my own education (and for a tangential benefit at work). I will be able to keep notes with me. Thankfully I am way past the point where I have to sit in examinations.