It's over forgetting everything at the end of an exam. With the spaced learning technique, we will make what we study stay with us forever. How do we study?
Learning is the process by which the brain acquires knowledge. And long-term memory is responsible for fixing that knowledge and being able to retrieve it later. When we study for an exam, we usually cram our brains with information for a short period of time; it is rare for a university student not to lock themselves at home during exam time to cram. But this formula, although it works to pass exams, unfortunately does not work for learning. With the amount of relevant information that is handled in any university degree, optimizing the study and learning process is essential if in the future (when we already have our
eTitle and start working) we want to be good professionals with extensive knowledge in our field. To optimize that study process and improve the amount of knowledge we acquire and retain in the long term, the best study technique we can use is spaced learning.
Origins and foundations of spaced learning
Spaced learning, also known as "distributed practice," is based on a simple but powerful observation: people tend to retain information more effectively when they study in multiple short and spaced sessions over time, rather than in a single long session. The idea behind this technique is not new. In fact, it was observed and documented as early as the 19th century by psychologists like Hermann Ebbinghaus (a scholar of memory and the first person to document the "
forgetting curve"). His experiments showed that spaced repetition over time increases long-term information retention.
Why does spaced learning work?
The main reason for the success of this study technique is its interaction with memory. By dividing the study into separate sessions, the brain is given the opportunity to consolidate and store information, allowing it to move from short-term memory to long-term memory. In addition, each time the information is accessed after a time interval, the brain must make a little more effort to retrieve it. This effort strengthens neural connections, making the information easier to remember in the future.
Practical application: steps to implement spaced learning
Planning: This study technique cannot be applied without discipline and good planning. It is essential to have a study plan that allows for the distribution of learning sessions. Instead of cramming the night before an exam, the content should be divided into blocks and distributed over several weeks or even months.
Consolidation: Time must be given to the brain to assimilate the information. After a study session, a break should be taken, either to rest or to engage in a different activity. This helps with consolidation and retention of what has been learned.
Review: At regular intervals, previously studied material should be reviewed. By doing so, memory is refreshed and the information is solidified in the mind. Breaks should be of hours, days, weeks, and months, and that is why having a good study methodology is so important. We will learn new concepts that we will relate to previous ones in these reviews. Technological tools in the service of spaced learning Thanks to technology, implementing this technique is easier than ever. Applications for creating study flashcards like Anki or Quizlet include algorithms that determine the best time to review each flashcard and thus optimize the learning process.
Benefits of spaced learning
Long-term retention: As we mentioned, this technique improves long-term memory. It is ideal for subjects and concepts that will be essential in our professional or academic life in the future.
Reduction of stress: By distributing the study into multiple sessions, the anxiety and stress associated with last-minute cramming are reduced.
Greater understanding: As the time between sessions increases, there is an opportunity to reflect on the information, relate it to other knowledge, and thus achieve a deeper understanding.
Final considerations
Spaced learning is not a magic trick; it requires discipline, planning, and commitment. However, when we implement this technique in our routines, we can significantly improve information retention and academic performance. With advances in neuroscience and technology, study techniques will continue to evolve. However, basic principles like spaced learning, with their solid empirical support, will remain essential in any learning process.
