Spaced Repetition is a study method that involves reviewing information at systematically increasing intervals. It takes advantage of the way our brains naturally forget information over time. By reviewing at strategic points, you “interrupt” the forgetting curve and gradually solidify knowledge in long-term memory.
1. Understand the Core Concept of Spaced Repetition: Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you review information at increasing intervals to reinforce memory retention. It leverages the brain's natural forgetting curve by scheduling reviews before you forget the material.
2. Break Down Your Material: Just like in active recall, start by organizing your study material into manageable chunks. Break down complex topics into smaller, bite-sized pieces that are easier to review over time.
Example: For contract law, you could break it down into sections like "offer," "acceptance," "consideration," and "remedies for breach."
3. Begin with an Initial Review: Start by reviewing the material thoroughly. This gives you a solid foundation of understanding before moving on to spaced repetition.
4. Schedule Regular Reviews: After your initial review, revisit the material at increasing intervals. For example, you might review it again the next day, then 3 days later, a week later, and then 2 weeks later.
Example of a Schedule:
5. Use Active Recall During Each Review: During each spaced repetition session, use active recall. Don’t just re-read your notes; ask yourself questions, solve problems, or explain the concepts from memory.
6. Adapt Based on Your Performance: If you consistently recall information well, increase the interval between reviews. If you struggle with a particular concept, shorten the interval and review it more frequently.