Is cramming all the time a good idea?

Bunpro
#1

Hello! Since fairly recently, I’ve started taking Bunpro and grammar overall very seriously as a lot of native material I read started having more advanced structures that I didn’t understand.

I almost always do 6 grammar points per day, but I have a tendency to cram my ‘Beginner’ items very often, so that I don’t forget them, since I’ve learnt them very recently. Is this harmful to my learning/the SRS system? Is it better to wait until the next review and potentially get quite a few things wrong, or carry on as I’m doing now (my review sessions never have more than 20 items and I typically get maximum 2 or 3 mistakes, but most often 0)?

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#2

What you are doing is called drilling.
It’s perfectly fine to do and it helps cement it into immediate memory. If anything it is actually helping you remember more.

That is to say, remember moderation. If you overwork yourself there will be a negative feedback loop. particularly when you feel like you should know something and becom discouraged.

If you are anything like me, drilling is more effective for learning than SRS as well. So i find it a very good strategy.

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#3

I agree with the above. More exposure will definitely help cement it into memory, especially if there’s something you can make a connection with.

For example, I sometimes use the pronunciation of a Spanish or English word as a way to remember a Japanese grammar point. Like how ますます coincidentally means “more and more” in both Spanish and Japanese.

However, most times I rely more on the literal meaning of the Kanji and/or the phrase. Example: なければいけない = If I don’t do “X” I can’t go (to the party/some other fun place :joy:). Therefore, I MUST do “X”.

Keep doing what you’re doing. I’m sure it’s helping, but also have memorable connections to reinforce your ability to recall.

Take care!

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