Mastering Subjects the Talearnted Way: Spaced Repetition

During studies where the influx of information is constantly increasing, conquering the challenge of memory retention is a paramount concern we have tackled head on by employing the scientifically-backed technique of spaced repetition. Spaced repetition, is a learning technique which involves consistently reviewing information at intervals over time (1) as opposed to the traditional method of learning content once and then cramming information in a short space of time before an assessment or exam. Spaced repetition offers not only optimal learning efficiency, but long term understanding and retention.

What is the science behind spaced repetition?

In 1885, a German psychologist named Dr. Hermann Ebbinghaus (1885), wanted to understand how quickly we forget information, in order to prevent this. His study showed that forgetting begins immediately after learning. After 20 minutes only 58.2% of memory and retention remains. After 1 day, this decreases to 33.7% and after 6 days only 1/4 of knowledge is retained (2). In 2015, a research team successfully reproduced his findings, and concluded that they were accurate (3). This highlights how unsustainable and ineffective the traditional tutoring/teaching framework is for students as they typically will only review information once in lessons before applying the learnt knowledge in an assesment or exam. The results are shown in figure 1 below:

Figure 1: A line graph famously known as the 'forgetting curve' based on the results of Ebbinghaus' study showing the decrease in the percentage of memory and retention against time. (Image by the Centre for teaching and learning)

Further research, such as the groundbreaking work by Dr. Piotr Wozniak (4) has consistently demonstrated the efficacy of spaced repetition in promoting long-term retention. By consistently and systematically conducting review sessions, the brain creates synaptic connections, which results in more durable and long-term memory as seen in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Results by Wozniak showing the forgetting curve without spaced repetition vs the forgetting curve with spaced repetition. The blue line represents the information being reviewed consistently in spaced intervals represented by the peaks and the red line shows how retention exponentially decreases when the information is only reviewed once. (Image by transverse.link)

Summary

To conclude, the incorporation of evidence-based learning strategies is imperative here at Talearnted tutors. Spaced repetition, with its scientific underpinnings validated by established researchers stands out as a beacon of efficient, conducive and personalised learning.

References

1. Versteeg M, Hendriks RA, Thomas A, Ommering BW, Steendijk P. Conceptualising spaced learning in health professions education: a scoping review. Medical education. 2020 Mar;54(3):205-16.

2. Ebbinghaus H. A contribution to experimental psychology. New York, NY: Teachers College, Columbia University. 1913.

3. Murre JM, Dros J. Replication and analysis of Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve. PloS one. 2015 Jul 6;10(7):e0120644.

4. Woźniak P, Gorzelańczyk E. Optimization of repetition spacing in the practice of learning. Acta neurobiologiae experimentalis. 1994;54(1):59-62.