Spaced Repetition Systems: Do You Really Need to Review Flashcards Every Day?
Spaced repetition systems (SRS) have revolutionized the way many individuals manage and retain information. These tools, such as Anki, SuperMemo, and others, automate the review of flashcards based on your understanding of the material. A common question that often arises is whether these systems necessitate daily reviews. Let's explore the concept in detail.
Understanding Spaced Repetition
The fundamental principle behind SRS is a methodical approach to reviewing information at increasing intervals based on your proficiency with the material. Initially, new flashcards are reviewed more frequently, but as you demonstrate mastery, the review intervals lengthen. For instance, a card might be reviewed after one day, then three days, then a week, and so on. This strategy is designed to optimize learning and retention without the need for constant daily reviews of every card.
Why Daily Reviews Are Not Always Necessary
If you want to maintain the effectiveness of an SRS program, daily reviews are crucial. The algorithm is intentioned to determine the exact day that material is most likely to be forgotten. Missing a daily review can weaken the effectiveness of the program, much like missing a dose of medication. Over time, deviations from this schedule can lead to less efficient use of your study time.
From personal experience, I have used SuperMemo for over a decade. While daily reviews can be challenging, fitting them into your routine is feasible. Many successful individuals, such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, practice daily to excel in their fields. The same principle of consistency applies to SRS; proficiency comes from persistence.
Data and Real-World Application
SuperMemo and similar SRS programs are designed to optimize the distribution of review days. If you skip a week, you may catch up by reviewing the material for that entire week in a single day. This can be time-consuming and may not be efficient. However, you can manage the workload by reviewing a little more than one day's worth of material each day, thus gradually catching up without a mountain of work.
While the software suggests a specific schedule, it is ultimately up to you to find the right balance between optimal use of study tools and other life priorities. Taking breaks or deviating from the schedule is acceptable as long as you resume the regular schedule as soon as possible.
Conclusion
While reviewing flashcards daily is the most effective method for maintaining the benefits of SRS, it is not always strictly necessary. Instead, focus on the challenging material and adjust the review schedule according to your needs. The flexibility of SRS allows you to optimize your learning time and fit it into your busy schedule.