# Spaced Repetition: An Effective Technique for Lasting Learning
Have you ever studied intensively for an exam, only to forget most of the information shortly afterward? This frequent scenario underscores the drawbacks of cramming as a study method. Conversely, research on learning indicates that distributing study sessions over time — referred to as **spaced repetition** — is much more effective for enhancing long-term memory.
What distinguishes spaced repetition is its capacity to customize the intervals at which you revisit information, allowing you to optimize memory retention with minimal effort. Nowadays, thanks to tools such as Anki, this formerly tedious technique has become easy to use, enabling learners to thoroughly understand any topic. This article explores the research behind spaced repetition, its uses, and useful strategies for getting started.
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## The Research Supporting Spaced Repetition: The Mechanism
At the core of spaced repetition is the **spacing effect**, a psychological principle first recognized by Hermann Ebbinghaus in the 19th century. Ebbinghaus found that learning is more effective when study sessions occur over time rather than crammed into one extensive session. This occurs because each retrieval of information following a rest period strengthens the recall, making it more difficult to forget later on.
Spaced repetition systems enhance this concept by employing algorithms to pinpoint the ideal time for review: just as knowledge is about to diminish. Reviewing just prior to forgetting — when recalling is challenging yet feasible — reinforces the memory without expending time on material you’ve already mastered. This approach helps maintain memory efficiency and accuracy over time.
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## Michael Nielsen: Spaced Repetition as a “Memory Decision”
One prominent supporter of spaced repetition is physicist and author Michael Nielsen, whose thorough Twitter thread on the subject has garnered significant attention. Nielsen articulates a strong argument for why spaced repetition transcends mere memory improvement; it is about proactively selecting what you wish to remember.
> “The most significant shift is that memory is no longer an unpredictable occurrence, left to fate,” Nielsen states. “Instead, I can ensure I will remember something, with little effort: it turns memory into a **decision**.”
Nielsen highlights that spaced repetition not only enhances recall but also fosters deeper interaction with the material. He discusses his method for determining what to incorporate into his system, deconstructing intricate subjects into smaller parts, and steering clear of rote memorization devoid of understanding. For him, it’s about merging memory with comprehension to build a solid groundwork for advanced thinking.
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## Tools for Spaced Repetition: Anki’s Unique Features
Currently, implementing spaced repetition is more straightforward than ever, courtesy of digital tools and applications. One of the leading tools is **Anki**, an open-source application available for both desktops and mobile devices. Its framework relies on virtual flashcards equipped with integrated spaced repetition algorithms that adjust the review schedule based on your performance.
Here’s what makes Anki worth exploring:
1. **Tailored Content**: You can generate your own decks for any topic — from vocabulary in a foreign language to medical jargon or personal reminders.
2. **Multi-Device Syncing**: Anki synchronizes across devices, permitting you to create and review flashcards on your computer and reinforce them during idle moments on your phone.
3. **Flexible Content Formats**: You can incorporate text, images, audio, and even cloze-deletion formats (fill-in-the-blank) into your cards, making Anki adaptable for various learning preferences.
4. **Open Source and Community-Supported**: With a dedicated user community, Anki provides thousands of shared decks available for download across a wide array of subjects.
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## Utilizing Spaced Repetition to Tackle Cognitive Bias
Interestingly, spaced repetition may also help mitigate the issue of **confirmation bias**, the inclination to overlook information that contradicts our views. Michael Nielsen shares this insight. As Charles Darwin noted in his autobiography, he consistently documented facts that challenged his theories because he recognized how easily he tended to forget them.
Darwin’s approach could be further enhanced through spaced repetition: not only noting contradictory facts but also systematically reviewing them to ensure their retention in memory. Eventually, this could foster a more balanced thought process by reducing the impact of cognitive biases.
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## Useful Strategies for Starting with Spaced Repetition
1. **Select Your Material Thoughtfully**: Identify what knowledge is most important to you: Is it language acquisition? Career advancement? Personal interests? Begin with a specific focus to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
2. **Divide Concepts Into Manageable Segments**: Each flashcard should concentrate on one particular fact, concept, or question. Resist the urge to overload a single card with excess information.
3. **Use Pre-Made Deck