Spaced repetition serves as a memory enhancement tool. It is well-established that distributing your studying over time yields better results than last-minute cramming; however, utilizing an app allows you to customize your own spaced repetition timetable, enabling you to effectively establish durable memories for any content you choose.
Michael Nielsen shares an insightful thread regarding his application of spaced repetition on Twitter:
“The application of spaced repetition memory systems has remarkably impacted my life over the last few years. Here are a few insights I’ve found beneficial: — Michael Nielsen (@michael_nielsen) January 28, 2018”
He discusses criteria for selecting what to include in his review system, the appropriate volume of information for each item, and the understanding that memory alone cannot provide (comprehension of the process that employs the memorized items). Nielsen expresses considerable enthusiasm for the advantages:
“The most significant shift is that memory is no longer an unpredictable occurrence that I leave to fate. Instead, I can assure that I will retain certain information with minimal effort: it transforms memory into a conscious decision.”
There are numerous applications/programs available to implement a spaced repetition system, but Nielsen opted for Anki (ankiweb.net), which is an open-source option, featuring both desktop and mobile applications (which synchronize with each other, proving advantageous if you wish to input data on a computer and subsequently review it on your mobile device while waiting in line for coffee or similar situations).
Upon examining Anki, it appears quite appealing, and I’ve come to realize that I can utilize it to counteract a cognitive bias we all experience: the propensity to forget facts that challenge our beliefs.
Charles Darwin remarks on this in his autobiography:
“I had, also, during many years, adhered to a guiding principle, which dictated that whenever a published fact, fresh observation, or idea presented itself to me that contradicted my general findings, I would make a note of it immediately; for my experience had shown that such facts and ideas were significantly more likely to be forgotten than those that supported my views. Due to this practice, very few counterarguments to my opinions were raised that I had not at least acknowledged and tried to address.” (Darwin, 1856/1958, p123).
I possess notebooks, and I share Darwin’s tendency to overlook “unfavorable” facts; however, I ponder if my thinking could be enhanced not just by recording these facts, but also by retaining them in memory – employing a spaced repetition system. I plan to give it a try.
Links & Footnotes:
– Anki app (ankiweb.net)
– Wikipedia on spaced repetition systems
– The Autobiography of Charles Darwin, 1809–1882, edited by Nora Barlow. London: Collins
– For further reading on the science, see this recent review for educators: Weinstein, Y., Madan, C. R., & Sumeracki, M. A. (2018). Teaching the science of learning. Cognitive research: principles and implications, 3(1), 2.
I observe that Anki-based spaced repetition also incorporates elements of retrieval practice and interleaving (other effective learning strategies).