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After the boxes are created, identify all the topics that will be covered on the exam and place them in the first box. If you decide on physical boxes, then use notecards to write the concepts, and if you decide on virtual boxes, then use bullet points.
These notecards or bullet points should also include various active recall questions derived from problem sets, past papers, in-class notes, etc.
Then take turns going through each concept answering the questions thoroughly. If you successfully recall a concept, then move that flashcard or bullet to the subsequent box. If you fail to recall the concept, then move it back to Box 1.
This method ensures that you have shorter spaced intervals between study sessions for unfamiliar material and longer spaced intervals between study sessions for familiar material.
There are many reasons to like the Leitner system but perhaps none more important than its customizability. As learning paces are subject to vary based on the individual, the labels can be changed out for shorter or longer intervals.
Moreover, the individual can elect to move back only one or two boxes in the case they fail to recall rather than all the way to the beginning.