Author
Vegard Gjerde
Founder of Unisium. PhD in Physics Education Research (University of Bergen). I build study systems around cognitive strategies like retrieval practice, self-explanation, and principled problem solving.
What I do
I built Unisium to make effective learning behaviors easier to follow consistently. The platform is built around a loop that shows up in many effective STEM study routines:
Encode → Retrieve → Explain → Solve
In Unisium, that loop becomes structured sessions with feedback and progression. This is the core loop I use in the Unisium Study System.
In PHYS111 (classical mechanics) at the University of Bergen, I built structured course resources that made evidence-based study methods easy to use between sessions—materials for elaborative encoding, retrieval practice, self-explanation, and problem solving. One concrete example was a hierarchical principle map turned into a retrieval sheet, paired with a mandatory retrieval test to make regular practice the default.
Then, students started asking for similar resources in other courses. I write practical guides on these methods in the Unisium guides.
Teaching recognition
I received the Teaching Award (2024) at the Faculty of Science and Technology (University of Bergen) for my work in PHYS111. (Award year 2024; announced April 2025.)
«Vegard har gjennom flere år vist at han er veldig opptatt av å undervise på en måte slik at studentene lærer mest mulig. Forelesningene er svært pedagogiske, og er en blanding av undervisning, aktiv deltagelse, og diskusjon med medstudenter. […]»
Selected publications
If you want the research trail behind the product, start here (selected papers) and use Google Scholar for the full list.
- “Integrating effective learning strategies in basic physics lectures: A thematic analysis” — Physical Review Physics Education Research (2021). DOI
- “Retrieval practice of a hierarchical principle structure in university introductory physics: Making stronger students” — Physical Review Physics Education Research (2020). DOI
- “Problem solving in basic physics: Effective self-explanations based on four elements with support from retrieval practice” — Physical Review Physics Education Research (2022). DOI
- “Enhancing peer instruction in physics: Understanding cognitive processes and refining rules” — Physical Review Physics Education Research (2024). DOI
- “Mandatory retrieval test to incentivize retrieval practice of physics principles” — Physical Review Physics Education Research (2025). DOI
Books and earlier work
Masterful Learning
A practical system for studying physics, math, and programming using strategies like retrieval practice, elaborative encoding, self-explanation, and problem solving.
Successful Problem Solving in Classical Mechanics
A focused approach to building problem-solving skill in mechanics, centered on principles, modeling, and deliberate practice.
(Details will be added when public.)
Primal Learning (Udemy, 2015)
An early online course I created on learning and study skills. It is still widely used and well rated on Udemy. My newer work builds on the same foundation with a clearer system and better materials — for the most current version of my approach, start with the Unisium guides and Masterful Learning.