Spaced Repetition Can Improve Long-Term Memory Retention

Use It or Lose It: How Spaced Repetition Can Improve Long-Term Memory Retention

"Spaced repetition is a technique for efficient memorization which uses repeated review of content following a schedule, determined by a spaced repetition algorithm to improve long-term retention."1

01 02 The Forgetting Curve Combatting The In the 19th Century, Hermann Ebbinghaus 2 discovered the exponential rate of memory loss Forgetting Curve over time. He proposed that after an individual initially learns information, most of it will be lost in  the first couple of days.2 Make Information Relevant As you begin to study, create custom-made learning resources as they have more impact.

Improve Clarity Try representing information visually in a diagram or create a video describing the topic you're learning.

Reinforce Regularly Source: "The Effect of Flipped Learning on Academic Performance as an Innovative Method for Overcoming Ebbinghaus; Forgetting Curve", 2018, Creative Hands-on Activity Every time you train your brain to recall, the rate of decline reduces, so stage frequent interventions to solidify the information.

03 Reinforce Your Information Regularly With 04

Breakdown of Spaced SPACED REPETITION Repetition Algorithm : Create approximate time intervals based on when your test date is.

These intervals should include how many repetitions, whether it be one, two, or three, of your work you want to complete. 05 Have the gaps between your repetitions increase in relation to how far away the test is. Spaced Repetition's Affect On The Forgetting Curve: Ensure the days in-between study sessions increase because the greater the drop in retrieval strength, the greater the increase in learning when the memory is accessed again.3 Practice the space repetition system with software that supports this type of learning Consider using apps like Anki, OttoLearn, or SmartCards+ that use spaced repetition algorithms.

Source: "Study Smarter, Not Harder", 2007, Paul K

AppsApps that that support support Spaced spaced Repetition: repetition:

Quizlet ANKI Recall Memrise OttoLearn SmartCards+

Sources: 1. "Enhanced Human Learning via Spaced Repetition Optimization", 2019, PNAS 2. "What Is The Forgetting Curve (And How Do You Combat It?)", 2018, Harry Cloke 3. "How to Remember More of What You Learn with Spaced Repetition", 2020, Thomas Frank Compiled by Bethany Owoeye for SNMA Academic Affairs