Spaced repetition is a way of reviewing material at increasing intervals instead of cramming it all at once. You revisit a topic just as it starts to fade, which strengthens memory with less total effort.
Why spacing helps
Memory fades over time unless you use it. Each time you recall something successfully, it tends to last longer before you need to review it again. Several short reviews spread over weeks usually beat one long session the night before.
A simple review schedule
You do not need special software. A schedule like this is a sensible starting point:
- Review the same day you learn it.
- Review again after 1 day.
- Then after 3 days.
- Then after 7 days.
- Then after 2 to 3 weeks.
If you forget something, move it back to a shorter gap. If it feels easy, stretch the gap.
Doing it with flashcards
Flashcards suit this method well because each card is one fact you can test yourself on.
- Make cards for new material using the flashcard maker.
- Study the deck. Cards you miss come back until you know them.
- Come back to the deck on the next day in your schedule and go through it again.
- Drop cards you get right easily after a few good reviews.
A plan for an exam in one month
- Weeks 1 and 2: learn new topics and make cards the same day.
- Weeks 3 and 4: stop adding much new material and spend most of your time on review.
- Final week: go through all decks once and concentrate on the cards you still miss.
Use an exam countdown to see how many days you have, and a study planner to place review days across the weeks.
Tips
- Review a little every day. Ten minutes beats an hour once a week.
- Test yourself before looking at the answer. Re-reading feels easy but proves little.
- Mix subjects so you do not rely on the order.
- Sleep matters. Do not give up sleep for extra revision.
What it does not do
Spaced repetition suits facts, terms, formulas and vocabulary. For subjects like maths and writing, combine it with practice problems and past papers.
Your decks and progress stay on your own device unless you download them.