Lecture Notes: Spaced Repetition - The Best Way to Learn Anything Fast

Introduction

• Spaced repetition is a method to learn efficiently, backed by science.
• Described as a "superpower" used to excel in medical school while managing other activities.
• Focus on practical application rather than complex scientific explanation.

Key Concepts

What Is Spaced Repetition?

• Definition: Spacing out study sessions rather than cramming.
• Benefits: Improved retention and understanding over time.

Common Mistakes

• Students often fail to combine spaced repetition with active recall.

Tier 1: Basics of Spaced Repetition

• Delayed Review:
  • Let material "marinate" before reviewing.
  • Delayed review enhances retention by engaging more effort.
• Interleaving Topics:
  • Break up study subjects throughout the day.
  • Helps create connections between different topics.
• End-of-Day Review:
  • Review material learned each day.
  • Reinforces memory retention.

Tier 2: Advanced Spacing Techniques

• Increasing Intervals (Leitner System/Shoebox Method):
  • Use boxes to manage study frequency: Box 1 (daily), Box 2 (every other day), etc.
  • Move topics between boxes based on comprehension.
• Kanban Board:
  • Electronic version of the shoebox method.
  • Apps like Trello or Notion can be used.
• Prospective Revision Timetable:
  • Schedule study sessions in advance, using fixed intervals.
• Retrospective Revision Timetable:
  • Focus on weakest topics by tracking progress and understanding.

Retrospective Focus on Concepts

• Study individual concepts within a topic and track understanding.
• Use note-taking apps with tagging features for targeted reviews.

Tier 3: Maximizing Spaced Repetition Benefits

• Adaptive Intervals:
  • Intervals adjust based on personal mastery of topics.
  • Use apps with built-in algorithms like SuperMemo and Anki.
• Custom Spaced Repetition in Note-Taking Apps:
  • DIY algorithms in apps like Notion or Roam Research.

RemNote

• Note-taking app with built-in spaced repetition algorithms.
• Automatically generates flashcards from notes.
• Offers seamless integration without plugins or coding.
• Free to start using, designed to enhance productivity.

Conclusion

• Combine spaced repetition with active recall for optimal learning.
• Mix and match methods based on the subject matter.
• Check out additional resources on active recall for further improvement.