Spaced Repetition Technique: Students often forget what they study over time-not because they aren't putting in enough study hours, but because they are not revising topics effectively. CBSE students should understand that any information not revisited at regular intervals is unlikely to stick. To learn faster and recall information with ease, without feeling overwhelmed, students can use a well-known German study technique called Spaced Repetition, which helps store knowledge in long-term memory.
This technique is based on the forgetting curve, a concept discovered by German philosopher and psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus during his experiment from 1880 to 1885. His research showed that memory fades rapidly when information is not reviewed, but strategic repetition at spaced intervals can significantly slow down this forgetting process and improve retention.
Why It Works Best for Students
Spaced repetition is not about cramming; it focuses on revisiting information at carefully planned intervals so the brain does not forget it. It is especially useful for students who struggle to remain consistent with long study schedules.
How to Use Spaced Repetition
1. Immediately after a lesson: Summarise key points in your own words, create a study guide, or make flashcards.
2. The next day: Use active recall to test yourself without referring to notes.
3. Three days later: Test yourself again using techniques like blurting, the Feynman technique, or past exam questions.
4. One week later: Continue testing and identify weak areas, focusing revision on those topics.
Applying Spaced Repetition While Studying Social Science
For Social Science, spaced repetition can be used while studying a History chapter like The French Revolution. After the lesson, a student can note down key causes, dates and terms. The next day, they should try recalling these points without looking at the notes. After two or three days, the student can revise again by explaining the chapter aloud or answering a few questions. A week later, only the weak areas-such as confusing dates or events-should be revised. Revisiting the chapter at spaced intervals helps retain facts, improves recall and reduces last-minute cramming.
Using Spaced Repetition or the 2-3-5-7 Method
The 2-3-5-7 method is a form of spaced repetition where you review a topic at gradually increasing intervals. The idea is to revise content just before you are most likely to forget it.
You can also use this method in reverse to plan revision before an exam:
- Start from the exam date and schedule a revision session one day before.
- Plan another session two days before that.
- Then count three days back and schedule another revision.
- Count five days back and plan the next session.
- Finally, count seven days back and schedule your first study session
