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How does spaced repetition work?

PsychologyLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

Spaced repetition works by reviewing information at increasing intervals — just as you're about to forget it. Each well-timed review resets the forgetting curve, so memories last longer with less total study time. You review material at growing gaps (1 day, 3 days, a week…).

Step by step

  1. You review material at growing gaps (1 day, 3 days, a week…).
  2. Reviews are timed for just before you'd forget.
  3. Each review strengthens the memory and lengthens the next gap.
  4. It fights the 'forgetting curve' efficiently — less study, better retention.

People also ask

What is spaced repetition?
A technique of reviewing information at increasing intervals to lock it into long-term memory.
Why does spacing work better than cramming?
Spreading reviews over time and recalling just before forgetting strengthens memory far more than massed practice.
What tools use spaced repetition?
Flashcard apps like Anki and many language-learning apps schedule reviews this way.