Spaced repetition has been recognized as a powerful technique for enhancing memory, particularly effective in preserving knowledge over long durations. This method entails acquiring information in intervals rather than through intensive study sessions, which is typically referred to as cramming. By distributing study periods, learners provide their brains with the essential time to solidify information, thus enhancing long-term retention and comprehension.
With the rise of technology, spaced repetition systems (SRS) can be personalized using various applications, allowing learners to adjust their study plans to fit their unique requirements. A prominent proponent of this approach is Michael Nielsen, who has conveyed insights on its impactful nature through discussions, including on Twitter:
Nielsen highlights the importance of carefully selecting information for the review system, ensuring that no individual item is overly complex, which promotes effective memorization and recall. Notably, while recalling specific facts is advantageous, comprehending their wider applications and connections is equally essential.
The most significant shift is that memory is no longer left to randomness; it is a predictable event. Instead, I can ensure that I will remember something with little effort: this transforms memory into a choice.
Among the various applications that support spaced repetition systems, Anki stands out as an open-source choice that has gained traction. It includes both desktop and mobile versions that synchronize effortlessly, making it convenient for daily use whether at a desk, waiting in line, or during commutes.
While using Anki, users can confront a cognitive bias articulated by Charles Darwin: the inclination to ignore inconvenient truths. In his autobiography, Darwin observes:
“I had, also, during many years, followed a golden rule, namely, that whenever a published fact, a new observation or thought came across me, which was opposed to my general results, to make a memorandum of it without fail and at once…”
This reflection highlights a prevalent bias toward information that challenges our beliefs, which could be alleviated through the use of spaced repetition, thereby fostering a more comprehensive understanding in memory.
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 insights into the science, refer to 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.
Additionally, utilizing Anki for spaced repetition simultaneously bolsters other effective learning techniques, such as retrieval practice and interleaving, which further enrich the learning experience.