Learning in spaced segments, also known as spaced practice or distributed practice, involves breaking up your study sessions over time rather than cramming all the information at once. This method improves information retention and makes learning more effective.
What is Spaced Practice?
Spaced practice is a learning technique where you review information at intervals rather than attempting to learn it all in one session. The core idea is to distribute your learning activities over time. According to the reference, this could mean studying for 1 to 2 hours every other day or at least once a week. This approach differs significantly from cramming, which involves long, continuous study sessions.
Why is Spaced Learning Effective?
The effectiveness of spaced learning lies in its ability to strengthen memory encoding and retrieval. When you revisit information after a period of time, your brain has to actively work to recall it. This effort solidifies the memory trace, making it more durable and accessible over the long term.
How to Implement Spaced Learning:
Here's a structured approach to implementing spaced practice:
1. Plan your study sessions:
- Initial Learning: Begin by thoroughly studying the material.
- First Review: Review the material shortly after the initial learning session, maybe within a few hours or a day.
- Spaced Reviews: Subsequent reviews should be scheduled at increasing intervals (e.g., a few days later, a week later, then a month later).
2. Use a study schedule or calendar:
Use a calendar or planner to schedule your study sessions and stick to the plan. Here's a table outlining a sample schedule:
| Session | Time Since Last Session | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Study | - | Learn New Material |
| Review 1 | 1 day | Immediate Recall |
| Review 2 | 3 days | Memory Reinforcement |
| Review 3 | 1 week | Long-Term Retention |
| Review 4 | 2 weeks | Retention Check |
| Review 5 | 1 month | Final Review |
3. Vary Study Methods:
- Active Recall: Use techniques like flashcards, practice questions, or summarizing material from memory.
- Mix it up: Integrate various learning styles such as watching videos, listening to lectures, reading text or practicing skills.
4. Be consistent:
- Follow Your Schedule: Consistency is key for spaced repetition to work effectively.
- Don't Cram: Avoid long study sessions right before exams. Instead, use spaced practice from the start.
Example: Learning a New Language
Let's say you're learning new vocabulary in a language:
- Day 1: Learn 10 new words.
- Day 2: Review the 10 words from the previous day. Learn 5 new words.
- Day 4: Review the 15 words from the previous days. Learn 5 more words.
- Day 7: Review all 20 words.
Continue this process over a period of weeks, making the intervals longer each time. This will ensure better memorization of the vocabulary.
Comparing Spaced Practice to Cramming
| Feature | Spaced Practice | Cramming |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Learning spread over time | Learning concentrated in a short period |
| Retention | Better long-term retention | Poor long-term retention |
| Effectiveness | Higher learning and retention rate | Lower learning and retention rate |
| Stress Levels | Reduced stress and anxiety | Increased stress and anxiety |
| Cognitive Load | Manages cognitive load effectively | Overwhelms cognitive capacity |
Key takeaway: According to the reference, by "spacing" learning activities out over time, you can learn more information and retain it longer.
