Spaced Repetition
A learning technique where material is reviewed at increasing intervals over time — proven by decades of research to dramatically improve long-term retention compared to cramming.
The science behind it
Hermann Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve in the 1880s established that we forget most of what we learn within days unless we revisit it. Spaced repetition counters this — reviewing material a day later, then three days, then a week, then a month. Each review takes less time, and the memory becomes increasingly durable.
Why cramming fails
Cramming may produce a passing grade the next morning. A week later, most of it is gone. Distributed practice — the same total time spread across several sessions — produces five to ten times better long-term retention. This holds for vocabulary, formulas, history dates and almost any factual content.
Spaced repetition in school practice
Skilled teachers build spaced repetition into their planning — opening a Class 5 maths lesson with a quick recap of last week's topic and last month's, before moving to new content. Yajur Public School's lessons routinely include short retrieval starters that revisit previously taught material on a planned schedule.
Related terms
Retrieval Practice
The act of recalling information from memory — through quizzes, flashcards or open questions — which strengthens learning far more than rereading or highlighting.
Interleaved Practice
Mixing different problem types or topics within the same practice session — counter-intuitively producing stronger learning than practising one type at a time.
Metacognition
Thinking about one's own thinking — being aware of how you learn, monitoring whether you understand, and adjusting your approach. One of the strongest predictors of academic success.