Learning Strategies
Spaced Repetition
Review at expanding intervals for long-term memory.
Definition
A learning technique that reviews material at gradually increasing intervals, strengthening long-term memory and reducing forgetting.
đź’ˇ Core Idea
Forgetting happens quickly without review, but revisiting content just before it’s forgotten strengthens recall. Spaced repetition optimizes the timing of reviews for maximum retention.
🔍 How It Works
- Memory of new information decays over time (Ebbinghaus forgetting curve).
- Reviewing at spaced intervals resets the curve and strengthens memory.
- Intervals grow longer each time as recall becomes easier.
🎯 How to Apply
- Use flashcard apps (e.g., Anki, Quizlet) that schedule reviews automatically.
- Plan course reviews over days, weeks, and months—not just after lessons.
- Combine with active recall for greater effectiveness.
đź“Ś Quick Example
A student learning vocabulary reviews new words the same day, two days later, one week later, and one month later—each time recalling more easily.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Reviewing too soon or too often, wasting study time.
- Waiting too long and forgetting completely before reviewing.
- Using passive review methods instead of active recall.
Key Takeaway
Space out reviews so you revisit material right before forgetting, lengthening the gap each time.
đź“š Resources
- Cepeda, N. J., et al. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin.
- The Learning Scientists – Spaced Practice
- Ebbinghaus, H. (1913). Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology.