Master Spaced Repetition
What is spaced repetition and how you can use it to improve your memory? I have used spaced repetition to memorize more and also to commit information to long term memory. Studies show that if you learn information today but you do not study any of it for the next 6 days, you will recall nothing. You have to use spaced repetition to ingrain something into your long term memory. Memory research has shown that if we space out our revisions over several days we will remember more information than if we just cram the night before. Cramming is good for our short term memory, however, for our long term memory we need spaced repetition.
The following are my 4 steps to master spaced repetition:
- Within 20-24 hours of first learning new information make sure to review your notes. When you review make sure to glance at your notes and look away. Try to recall what you have written in your notes. This action will cement the information into your brain stronger.
- Wait a day then do the same exercise as above but try to do so while you are out doing other things; such as running errands or exercising. This will make your brain work to recall the information but without the help of notes. Make sure to look over your notes to fill in the blanks once you have returned to them.
- For the next several day,s ever 24-36 hours give yourself mental tests throughout other tasks. You can even use some flashcard software such as http://ankisrs.net/ or create a test for yourself. You can also try to speed read through making sure to touch on all the important information.
- Several days before your test get out your notes and review the information in detail. This is the final step, by reading through slowly one last time it will cement the information into your long term memory using spaced repetition.
Those are my 4 steps to using spaced repetition to commit something to your long term memory. There are many things that you could use spaced repetition for besides school work. This would be great for dance moves or even karate moves.
I take Jiu Jitsu and spaced repetition works great for me. After my class I will write down what the move was and for the next few days I will review the move so that I cement it into my long term memory. Without repetition I am not able to recall what move I learned and I’m the Memory Champion.
This is a great tool for your memory. I believe that if you couple it with the Mind Palace you will be unstoppable with what you can do with your memory.
For more information on spaced repetition check out the link below:
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