Science behind the cow

We aim to create the world’s most loved online accountancy tuition course

One of the great advantages of using acowtancy.com is that we spent 5 years researching the science behind how adults learn with specific reference to exams

You now take the benefit of this

We looked at the results of the scientific tests regarding effective learning techniques (see table below) and incorporated the findings into the design of the site. You have at your disposal now, the most cutting-edge, scientifically proven, time effective way to learn your subject matter. All you need to do is follow the system

Theory
Ebbinghaus curve of forgetting Tracing the Trajectory of Skill Learning Massed Learning v Spaced Learning
What it teaches us

We forget new information at the following alarming rates:

  • Within 20 minutes 42% of memorised info is lost.
  • Within 24 hours 67% of what is lost.
  • A month later 79% is forgotten!

To counteract this we should revise materials at key points and the forgetting curve is minimalised.

These points are immediately after, 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, just before the exam

854,064 people learning an on-line game were studied.

  • Spaced Practice is the most effective
  • Practice what you will actually be tested on
  • Structure your information; don't just try and remember it

Massed Learning (cramming) can lead to over-confidence as large chunks of material are "learned" in a short space of time.

This is dangerous because only small amounts are retained over a longer period.

Spaced Learning (re-learning after short time-spans) leads to greater retention.

This is magnified further when the learning is backed up by "testing" of the re-call

How acowtancy.com applies it

The classroom section builds in these key review points automatically into your study plan

Classroom works on teaching you by covering past exam questions - practise what you will actually be tested on

It then recaps in specifically chosen phased gaps

It also lends more weight to the more commonly examined topics

Classroom is split into specifically structured mini sessions

The mini session is structured in a diagrammatic style to aid remembering - and also focuses on learning by doing

Each mini session has illustrations and past exam questions built in

Reference

Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology, Herman Ebbinghaus

Tom Stafford and Michael Dewar; Dept of Psychology; University of Sheffield

Ed Cooke and Greg Dentre