Spaced repetition is the learning practice of reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. It exploits the spacing effect and has been proved to increase rate of learning. 1 One technique to perform spaced repetition is with flashcards.

Barbara Oakley highlights one reason of spaced repetition’s effectiveness: learning involves fostering new neural connections, which requires time to develop. The intervals between study sessions provide time for neural growth. 2

Spaced repetition isn’t limited to learning; we can also apply the same principle to form habits.

Footnotes

  1. The right time to learn: mechanisms and optimization of spaced learning - PMC

  2. ‘Spaced Repetition’ note