Let\u2019s explore how spaced repetition works, the science behind it, and how you can integrate this method to get the most out of your training programs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
What is spaced repetition?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spaced repetition is a powerful technique for boosting memory retention. It involves strategically reviewing and recalling information at progressively longer intervals, which helps commit information to memory in the brain.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n By reviewing key ideas just before you forget them, you reinforce learning and long-term memory. The goal is to enhance your ability to recall and retain important information over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Spaced repetition works by strategically timing review sessions to maximize retention. When you learn something new, your brain quickly begins forgetting it. Reviewing the material at optimal intervals slows down the forgetting rate.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The process of how spaced repetition works relies on a key principle\u2014 reviewing information at increasing intervals. Spaced repetition intervals ensure the information remains fresh, strengthening your memory with each review.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of your brain like a muscle. You wouldn\u2019t start lifting a fifty-pound dumbbell on your first day at the gym. Instead, you\u2019d start with something lighter, maybe a ten-pound dumbbell, and gradually increase the weight over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spaced repetition works similarly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Active recall is a key component of spaced repetition. It forces your brain to retrieve information from memory, strengthening the neural pathways associated with it.\u00a0 The concept of spaced repetition has a rich history that goes back to the late 19th century. German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted groundbreaking research on memory and forgetting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n He developed the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve<\/a>, which shows how quickly we forget information after learning it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His findings were startling.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n By the end of the week, people usually remember only about 25% of what they learned<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learners forget up to 50% of new information within an hour<\/p>\n\n\n\n Within 24 hours, this retention rate can plummet to 70%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The curve highlights the importance of timely reviews to combat forgetting and became the foundation of spaced repetition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reviewing information at increasing intervals makes the forgetting curve less steep. Simply put, letting learners revisit information at spaced intervals greatly improves memory retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spaced repetition formula determines the optimal intervals for reviewing materials. It schedules review sessions just before the information is most commonly forgotten, with longer gaps between review each time to reinforce long-term memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Planning the best spaced repetition schedule for your staff is a big determining factor of the success of your training programs. Your learners need time to process new information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Piotr Wozniak researched<\/a> long-term memory and how to best apply spaced repetition to learning. In the 1980s, Wozniak developed a software program called SuperMemo. SuperMemo\u2019s algorithm helps its users find the ideal spaced repetition intervals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key features include: These features are the basic elements of designing your spaced repetition schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider your employees\u2019 specific needs and learning pace when planning how to implement spaced repetition. Tailor the spaced repetition intervals to fit the complexity of the subject and your staff\u2019s familiarity with it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, training employees on new compliance regulations may initially require more frequent reviews than basic customer service protocols will. Similarly, you might use spaced repetition in a sales training scenario to reinforce product knowledge and sales techniques.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use data-driven insights to send reminders and quick review sessions that accommodate your employees\u2019 busy schedules, effectively implementing the spaced repetition schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorporating a mobile learning platform<\/a> into your spaced repetition schedule is an incredibly effective way to get it to work in your company. Mobile learning allows your staff to review material anytime and anywhere, making it more convenient and accessible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s review two practical examples of how you can implement spaced repetition in your employee training today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example #1: Safety training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your employee learns a new safety protocol on the job. Instead of cramming all the information in one session, you break it down into smaller chunks and schedule reviews over several weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what it might look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A trainer or safety manager guides the learner through new information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first review happens shortly after learning (within 24 hours). Your employees actively recall from memory what they learned yesterday, and review it using practice questions, flashcards, and quizzes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you successfully recall the information during the first repetition, schedule the next review around three days later. If the recall is a struggle, review it sooner.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each time you recall information successfully, the intervals increase. The time in between each repetition depends on several factors but can look something like this:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This systematic approach ensures your staff retains the information more effectively than traditional study methods. By leveraging the power of timed reviews, you can better ensure that knowledge is acquired and retained in the long term. Employee performance can improve as they are better equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example #2: Who\u2019s who<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho\u2019s Who\u201d is an excellent spaced repetition activity that helps your team members remember each other\u2019s names, faces, roles, and any additional information you\u2019d like to include. For this activity, create digital flashcards that have a team member\u2019s photo on the front, and their name and role on the back. The key is to create these flashcards in a spaced repetition app, so that the cards are presented to learners in increasing intervals as they study.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The point of using a dedicated app is that the cards are not all studied with equal time devoted to each one. Instead, learners indicate in the app which names and faces they have already learned, and which ones they have not yet memorized. By doing so, the app sorts the cards into unknown and known categories, and presents the unknown ones more frequently than the known ones.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This method allows for the gradual improvement of recall by presenting cards more frequently for unfamiliar colleagues, while those that have been mastered appear less often. Over time, spaced repetition ensures that even the least familiar faces and details become well-known, strengthening team cohesion and communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best of all, you can use these flashcards to train employees on more than just their colleagues\u2019 names and faces. This method of presenting info works really well for product training and compliance training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, during each review, actively recall information from memory rather than through passive exposure.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Incorporating spaced repetition into your learning and development program boosts skill retention, enhances learning efficiency, and reduces the time and effort needed for review. It also promotes a deeper understanding of the material. Ultimately, it ensures your staff retains crucial knowledge over the long term, improving performance and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can leverage spaced repetition to improve training outcomes and employee performance in several ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can address unique learning needs and paces by tailoring spaced repetition schedules to individual employees. Customizing learning makes employees more likely to review and retain information efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spaced repetition allows for continuous reinforcement of training. Your staff can stay updated on the latest practices, policies, and skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Training sessions can be costly and time-consuming. By reinforcing knowledge at optimal intervals, you can save time and resources while maintaining high training standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spaced repetition is pivotal in competency based training and microlearning initiatives, and both are essential for modern workforce development.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow does spaced repetition work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Active recall and spaced repetition\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To use active recall<\/a>, create questions based on what you want to learn and repeatedly ask yourself those questions. Asking questions forces your brain to retrieve the information actively. Simply re-reading notes is passive learning and less effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.talentlms.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/talent-blog-blocks\/assets\/img\/cta-banner\/talentcards-lockup.svg\")
Make training a daily habit with a powerful spaced repetition app<\/h3>
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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nThe science behind spaced repetition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Spaced](\"https:\/\/www.talentlms.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ebbhinghaus_forgetting_curve_diagram.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCreating an effective spaced repetition schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Examples of spaced repetition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Initial learning event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: First review session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Begin spaced repetition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Increase space between intervals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Mobile](\"https:\/\/www.talentlms.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Whos-who-microlearning-example-1024x798.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy is spaced repetition good for employee development?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Customizable learning paths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ongoing reinforcement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n