How Spaced Learning Helps You to Remember

22nd November 2024

If you’ve ever crammed for a test, only to forget everything the next day, you know the struggle. It’s like pouring water into a leaky bucket—hardly any of it sticks. Enter spaced learning, the method that not only fills the bucket but seals the leaks for good.

What Is Spaced Learning?

Spaced learning is exactly what it sounds like: spreading out your study sessions over time instead of cramming it all in one go. You study a bit, take a break (or two…or three), and come back to it later. This approach taps into how our brains naturally work: they need repetition and time to process information to truly absorb it. It’s like planting a seed and watering it a little every day, instead of drowning it once and hoping for a tree overnight.

How It Works

The magic of spaced learning lies in something called the forgetting curve. Essentially, we forget things over time unless we revisit them. By reviewing material just as you’re about to forget it, you strengthen the memory, making it stick longer. It’s kind of like hitting “save” on your brain’s hard drive every so often.

Here’s the gist of how to use spaced learning:

1. Learn something new.
2. Take a break or switch tasks.
3. Revisit the material after a while (could be hours, days, or even weeks later).
4. Repeat as needed, gradually spacing out the intervals.

Bonus tip: The breaks don’t have to be boring. Take a walk, listen to music, or have a snack. Your brain will still be quietly organizing the information while you chill.

Why Does It Work So Well?

Brain-Friendly: Your brain loves patterns and hates overload. Spaced learning takes advantage of this by giving it bite-sized chunks to chew on instead of a buffet to choke on.

Retention Boost: Every review strengthens the neural connections, making it harder for the information to fade away.

Efficient: Instead of spending hours going over the same thing, you’re using short bursts of focused effort. More learning in less time? Yes, please.

Spaced Learning Example

Say you’re learning Spanish vocab. Instead of memorising 50 words in one marathon session, you could:

• Study 10 words today.
• Review them tomorrow and add 10 new ones.
• Check back in a few days, combining old and new words.
• Spread out your reviews over weeks. ¡Perfecto!

The Chill Factor

One of the best parts about spaced learning? It’s way less stressful than cramming. No more late-night panic sessions before an exam. Instead, you’re building a solid foundation that lasts. Plus, those breaks? Totally guilt-free. You’re not slacking off—you’re optimising!

Final Thoughts

Spaced learning isn’t just for students. It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting to level up in life—whether it’s mastering a new skill, picking up a language, or acing professional certifications. So, give it a shot! Next time you’re learning something new, resist the urge to binge-study and try spacing it out instead. Your future self will thank you (and probably remember more than five facts about the French Revolution).