Spaced repetition

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spaced repetition is a learning technique in which increasing intervals of time are used between subsequent reviews. Alternative names include expanding rehearsal, graduated intervals, repetition spacing, repetition scheduling, spaced retrieval and expanded retrieval. Spaced repetition is not simple rote repetition of phrases. It emphasizes active recall rather than recognition, and uses recall methods of memory such as questioning, free recall, free association, intellective reflection, or prompting using other mnemonic triggers or cues.

Research

Spaced repetition originates from the way memory works. Initially, we need to make an early review of the learning material, to make sure it is retained in memory. However, as the material gradually gets consolidated, the review may be less and less frequent.

Humans differ little in the way their memory works. People with large differences in IQ will often exhibit similar spaced repetition patterns. For example, when we learn a foreign word, most people require a repetition within 1-10 days to ensure 95% retention. The second repetition may already come later. For example, between 2-25 days. After a few repetitions, well structured and meaningful learning material can be repeated with intervals lasting many years.

Applications

Practical applications of spaced repetition were first suggested in the book Psychology of Study by Prof. C. A. Mace in 1932.

Pimsleur language courses use spaced repetition techniques, and in the 1970s Sebastian Leitner devised his Leitner system, an all-purpose system based on flashcards.

More recently, spaced repetition has also been implemented into computer-assisted language learning software. Such software can collect information about student's memory and gradually adapt the optimum spacing of repetitions to individual needs. A typical optimization criterion used in spaced repetition is the requested level of knowledge retention, i.e. percent of knowledge that is to be remembered.

Prominent researchers

• Cecil Alec Mace
• Hermann Ebbinghaus
• Sebastian Leitner
• Piotr Wozniak

Computer software using spaced repetition

Free software/Open source (FOSS)

• Granule C++ POSIX program, released under the GPL. There are also Nokia 770 and Windows versions available.
• jMemorize An open-source Java program using the famous Leitner system. Released under the GPL.
• MemAid Similar to SuperMemo, but using a neural network, released under the GPL. No longer under active development.
• Memorize Word An open-source Java program using the Leitner system in fully multimedia manners. Q Public License (QPL).
• The Mnemosyne Project Heir to MemAid, released under the GPL.
• Pauker Java program using the famous Leitner system. Released under the GPL.
• Rememorizer A flashcard program that aids in extremely efficient memorization. Cross platform, GPL.
• SuperMemo A spaced retrieval freeware for Windows
• Teach2000 Freeware Windows program to memorize a foreign language. Unicode enabled.

Commercial software

• Viaverbi A new shareware flashcard based language learning program for Mac OS X. Uses a promising a spaced repetition algorithm.
• BYKI Flash-card style learning with pronunciation in 41 languages using proprietary "order-of-presentation" algorithm which aims for a "perfect recall" objective. Free.
• BYKI Deluxe Non-free version of BYKI (above), which includes authoring and extra activities.
• Flash Card Manager Fast flash card learning, optimizes your study time. Windows and Pocket PC
• Fullrecall uses artificial neural network, which gradually grasp personal memory model
• Genius A freeware flashcard program for Mac Os X (10.3 and up). Performs fuzzy answer checking and highlights errors.
• MemoryLifter A freeware flashcard program for Windows. Excellent features such as image, sound, and video support on flashcards. Unicode support. "Correct on the fly" forces correct answers and highlights incorrect spellings.
• MindBrainer A commercial spaced-learning system for the Pocket PC using 'Graduated Interval Recall' in training and spaced repetition in testing.
• Studycard Studio A multimedia flashcard application with spaced repetition for Mac OS and Palm OS.
• SuperMemo [1] A freeware and commercial program that uses spaced repetition.
• Vocabulary Trainer - Memorize foreign language vocabulary permanently.
• VTrain (Vocabulary Trainer) A spaced-learning system used in 40 universities. Shareware.