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Understanding the Benefits of Spaced Repetition

Understanding the Benefits of Spaced Repetition

by | Jul 10, 2023 | Spaced Repetition

Learning a new skill or subject can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to memorize a lot of information. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that can help you remember more information in less time and with less effort. This method is based on the idea that the more frequently you review information, the more likely you are to retain it. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what this training method is, how it works, and how you can get started using this technique to enhance your learning ability.

Understanding Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a technique that involves gradually increasing the time between reviews of information. When you first learn a new concept, you might review it several times in a short period to ensure it sticks in your memory. Over time, as you become more comfortable with the material, you’ll review it less frequently, with longer gaps in between reviews. By spacing out your reviews in this manner, you’re more likely to remember the information long-term. 

Why Spaced Repetition Works

The reason spaced repetition is effective is because it leverages advances in our understanding of how memory works. Our brains remember things better when we tie them to something emotional or meaningful. Spaced repetition encourages you to recall information just when it’s starting to fade from your memory. This act of retrieval strengthens the neural pathways associated with that information, making it easier to recall later on.

Applying Spaced Repetition To Your Learning

While you can use spaced repetition with anything you’re trying to learn, it’s most often used in language learning apps such as Duolingo and apps to remember facts. These apps tailor their learning experience to individual users, making sure that they’re reviewing items they’re likely to forget much sooner than items they’ve already mastered. If you prefer a physical approach, creating flashcards can be an effective way to test yourself using the spaced repetition system. Platforms like Wranx offer an online version of flashcards which are proven to be more engaging for your learners than paper cards. 

Advanced Techniques for Spaced Repetition

If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, there are ways to take spaced repetition to the next level. One technique is to use active recall, or the process of recalling information from memory instead of simply reading. Another technique called interleaved practice involves mixing up different subjects or topics to increase the difficulty of retrieval. This technique is particularly useful for language learners because it resembles how our brains naturally acquire language.

 

4 key benefits

 

1. Better Long-term Retention

Spaced repetition is based on the idea that we learn best when we review information over a long period of time, rather than cramming it all in at once. When you review information after a certain amount of time has passed, it forces your brain to retrieve the information from memory, which helps strengthen neural connections and increase retention. Studies have shown that this leads to better long-term retention of information compared to other study techniques.

 

2. Time-saving

With this learning technique, you can save time by focusing on the information that you need to review the most. Instead of reviewing all your notes or past assignments, spaced repetition software can help you identify which concepts you are struggling with the most and target those areas. By focusing on the areas where you need the most improvement, you can cut down on the amount of time you spend studying overall.

 

3. Lower Stress Levels

Spaced repetition can also reduce stress levels because it helps you feel more in control of your learning. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a large amount of information to remember, it allows you to break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. It can help you avoid the feeling of cramming right before a big test or project deadline.

 

4. Fun and Interactive

Spaced repetition software also utilizes gamification techniques to make the review process more enjoyable and engaging. Many platforms, such as Wranx, include features such as leaderboards, progress trackers, and virtual rewards to incentivize users to review information consistently. This gamification can make studying feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity.

 

In conclusion, spaced repetition is an effective learning technique that can help improve your retention of new information. By spreading out your reviews of material over time, you’ll remember more information with less effort. The best part? This method works with just about anything you want to learn, which makes it easy to integrate into your existing routine. Whether you use a micro-learning app or create your own flashcards, spaced repetition is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to enhance their learning ability.

Now that you know what spaced repetition is and how it works, you can start using this powerful learning technique to your advantage. The next time you’re struggling to remember information, try using this technique to space out your review sessions and see how much easier it is to recall later on. With a little effort, you’ll find that this method of studying can help take your learning to the next level.

 See how Wranx has helped businesses like yours increase their learner’s knowledge using spaced repetition.

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How inclusive training can boost employee morale and productivity

How inclusive training can boost employee morale and productivity

by | Sep 1, 2022 | Corporate Training

A diverse and inclusive workplace can help your business become more innovative, productive and profitable, with inclusive workplaces being 1.7 times more likely to lead their industries in innovation and 25% more likely to have above-average profitability.  Statistics also show that inclusive workforces make better business decisions 87% of the time, leading their businesses to achieve 60% better performance results overall.

Diversity refers to the make-up of your workforce: ensuring equal opportunities for all regardless of their background. Inclusivity goes beyond diverse hiring practices and team dynamics. Inclusivity is key to creating a positive workplace culture in which all employees feel comfortable, confident and valued. Happy employees are what help your business to thrive!

Inclusion in the workplace can help your business function better at individual, team, and company levels. However, proper diversity and inclusion (D&I) training, as well as inclusive training practices, are essential to securing the benefits on offer.

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Microlearning examples and best practices

Microlearning examples and best practices

by | Aug 6, 2022 | Microlearning

Microlearning is a training technique that delivers relevant learning content in bite-sized units which can be accessed by the learner at their own convenience. Unlike traditional training methods, which can be passive, time consuming and dense with content, microlearning supports knowledge retention by offering learners shorter sessions that cover exactly what they need to know at exactly the right time.

Microlearning is growing in popularity among businesses and learners as an alternative learning solution. In fact, 8 out of 10 learning & development professionals favour microlearning because their learners prefer it, and it has been shown to create up to 50% more engagement among users.

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Exploring Spaced Repetition Learning (L&D)

Exploring Spaced Repetition Learning (L&D)

by | Jun 15, 2022 | Spaced Repetition

In the quest for more effective learning methodologies, spaced repetition stands out as a golden strategy not just for its remarkable efficiency but also for the wide scope of applications it offers. Although not a new concept—dating back to the pioneering research of Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century—spaced repetition is currently experiencing a renaissance thanks to advanced technology and a deeper understanding of cognitive science. In this article, we will unravel what spaced repetition learning entails and how it can be harnessed by learning and development leaders to revamp their training approaches.

Introduction: The Significance of Spaced Repetition Learning

Imagine being able to remember information with significantly less mental effort and time spent studying. This is the promise of spaced repetition learning, a technique that involves revisiting and repeating learned material at increasing intervals of time. The method prides itself on being grounded in neuroscience, capitalizing on the psychological spacing effect, where information retention is notably enhanced by distributing study efforts over time. For learning and development leaders, this approach can mean the difference between training that sticks and training that fades into oblivion.

Understanding Spaced Repetition Learning

The Mechanism and Benefits in Memory Retention

Spaced repetition leverages the brain’s preference for sporadic reinforcement, which is known to strengthen memory traces. Unlike traditional cramming, where material is reviewed intensively at first and then quickly forgotten, spaced repetition optimizes learning schedules to ensure long-term retention. By strategically reviewing material at increasing intervals, learners engage in active recall, a process that solidifies memory through repeated mental effort.

Comparison with Traditional Learning Methods

Traditional learning methods, such as massed practice or “cramming,” have their time and place, but they pale in comparison to the efficiency and effectiveness of spaced repetition. While cramming may provide short-term mastery, spaced repetition paves the way for robust and resilient long-term memory. The comparison is not just about duration but also about the retention and recall benefits that come with properly spaced out review sessions.

Applications in Learning and Development

Enhancing Employee Training Programs

The incorporation of spaced repetition into employee training programs can lead to more profound retention of critical information. Whether it’s product knowledge, company policies, or soft skills, utilizing spaced repetition ensures that the learning is not only absorbed but can also be invoked with ease, day in and day out. By tailoring training content to the upcoming review schedule, leaders can gear their workforce towards sustained mastery.

Improving Knowledge Retention and Transfer

Spaced repetition doesn’t just help employees remember; it also assists in the transfer of knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. When knowledge is reviewed at the optimal intervals, it becomes a part of an individual’s cognitive toolkit, available for application in various scenarios. The implications for problem-solving and decision-making are vast, with a workforce that is equipped not just with knowledge but with the ability to apply it meaningfully and creatively.

Implementing Spaced Repetition Learning

Tools and Platforms Available

The adoption of spaced repetition learning in organizational settings is made more accessible through a range of tools and platforms designed to streamline the process. These range from simple flashcard apps like Anki to more sophisticated learning management systems (LMS) that integrate spaced repetition algorithms. Such software not only schedules review times but also adapts to the learner’s performance, ensuring that each individual is supported in their unique learning curve.

Best Practices and Tips for Successful Integration

Integrating spaced repetition learning effectively into a training program requires careful planning and consideration. Learning and development leaders should focus on structuring content in digestible, review-friendly units. Identifying key learning objectives and aligning them with spaced learning intervals is also crucial. Additionally, providing regular feedback and encouraging active participation can significantly enhance the learning experience.

Case Studies

Success Stories of Organizations Implementing Spaced Repetition Learning

Many forward-thinking organizations have already implemented spaced repetition learning with impressive results. For instance, a multinational tech company reported a 210% increase in training retention after incorporating spaced repetition into their onboarding process. Similarly, a healthcare provider noted a 33% reduction in medication errors following the introduction of spaced repetition in their training programs. These triumphs serve as a beacon for others looking to modernize their learning strategies.

Conclusion: The Future of Spaced Repetition Learning in Learning and Development

As technology continues to progress and our understanding of human cognition deepens, the potential for spaced repetition learning to transform the field of learning and development is vast. This educational approach, rooted in evidence-based science, offers a way to make learning stick like never before. Learning and development leaders who grasp the significance of this method and weave it into their training fabric are poised to lead their organizations into an era of adaptive, efficient, and impactful learning. The future is indeed promising for those willing to make room for spaced repetition in their pedagogical arsenal.

Developing product knowledge training through microlearning

Developing product knowledge training through microlearning

by | Jun 15, 2022 | Product Knowledge

Your company might have great salespeople, but if they don’t know their stuff about your products or services then you’re not going to make sales – or at least not as many as you should. Of course, your salespeople need to be able to answer any questions that potential customers put to them, but they also need to be able to convey the depth of knowledge and confidence that goes with that.

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