How to Use Spaced Repetition for Learning

Spaced repetition is a technique for remembering more of what you study by gradually increasing the interval between each review session.

For example, as soon as you learn a new fact (using your notes, paper flashcards, or an app), you might set up the following review schedule for testing your recall:

• Review the fact immediately
• Review the fact in 24 hours
• Review the fact in three days
• Review the fact in one week
• Review the fact in one month.

Spaced repetition helps information stick in your memory better by getting you to use active recall to review material at the most effective time.

You can create a spaced repetition schedule using paper flashcards or an app.

Using Spaced Repetition with Flashcards

Spaced repetition can be used with paper flashcards, using a technique called the Leitner system.

Spaced Repetition Apps

There are also apps that can prompt you when to review your study material.

Art of Memory Software

We offer software that combines spaced repetition scheduling and memory palaces. You can create memory palaces, add facts, and then review them using spaced repetition.

Anki

Anki is a free, multi-platform, flashcard program that uses spaced repetition. It is great for learning anything that needs to go into your long-term memory.

Mnemosyne

Mnemosyne is another free multi-platform spaced repetition program. A list of features can be found here.

Spreadsheets

Kinma posted an example spreadsheet that allows customizing the repetition frequency.

Supermemo

Another popular spaced repetition program is Supermemo.

How often should information be reviewed in order to retain it?

Here are some starting places for coming up with your own spaced repetition schedule.

Dominic O’Brien

In the book, How to Develop a Brilliant Memory Week by Week, Dominic O’Brien suggests this review schedule:

• first review: immediately
• second review: 24 hours later
• third review: one week later
• fourth review: one month later
• fifth review: three months later

Many people might need more review than this.

Paul Pimsleur

Paul Pimsleur’s intervals for language learning are:

• 5 seconds
• 25 seconds
• 2 minutes
• 10 minutes
• 1 hour
• 5 hours
• 1 day
• 5 days
• 25 days
• 4 months
• 2 years

See also the Pimsleur Method page.

Learn More About Spaced Repetition

• Want to Remember Everything You’ll Ever Learn? Surrender to This Algorithm
• Spaced Repetition and Learning
• Wired article on Supermemo
• Gavino’s comment