Therefore, do not just be fond of repeating reading. Instead, focus on testing what you can remember after study session. The main idea in this study strategy is, re-visiting information at spaced intervals strengthens long-term memory (LTM) and reduces chances of forgetfulness.
Why Spaced Rehearsal is a Useful Study Strategy
Spaced-rehearsal study strategy can assist students improve long-term memory (LTM) by remembering information for longer periods. It helps students reduce forgetfulness. More so when they revisit content before it becomes too difficult to recall. It improves concentration and attention span of learners because of focusing on manageable study sessions. It strengthens understanding of learners because through it, they identify areas they have not yet mastered. By choosing this study strategy, students prepare adequately to tackle exams because it’s the best approach to retaining important information. Then, when students use it, they save study time. For they reduce the need to re-learn entire topics in a repeated manner.
Principles of Spaced-Rehearsal Study Strategy
This study strategy operates through several important learning principles. Firstly, there is the principle of repetition; learners re-visit information several times to strengthen memory. Secondly, is the principle of spacing; learning sessions are separated by intervals of time. Therefore, instead of studying for 5 continuous hours, it is advisable for a student to study for one hour on 5 different days.
Thirdly, we focus on the principle of active-recall; learners attempting information from memory instead of simply reading their notes in a repeated manner. Therefore, we see the connectedness of spaced-rehearsal and active-recall study strategies. Additionally, the study strategy anchors on the principle of gradually increasing intervals. Reviews are scheduled at increasingly longer intervals only when the learner remembers the material successfully. A typical study interval can be: First review after one day. Second review after three days. Third review after one week. Fourth review after two weeks. Fifth reviews after one month. The intervals are purely examples, not fixed rules. For difficult information may require more frequent reviews.
More importantly, there is the principle of feedback and correction. In it, learners check their answers after attempting to recall information learnt. So, incorrect answers should be corrected, and difficult material reviewed again sooner. Moreover, there is the principle of consistency, which work best when learners follow a regular revision schedule rather than waiting to see exam timetable. This is what leads to cramming, which is a bad study strategy.
Spaced Repetition and Leitner System
In retrospect, in 1970s, the German Science journalist, Sebastian Leitner, popularised a flashcard-based learning method known as Leitner System. Ideally, the system organises flashcards into groups according to how well the learner remembers the information. Cards answered correctly are viewed less frequently. Then, cards answered incorrectly are reviewed more frequently. Somewhat, the strategy allows the learner to spend more time on difficult information, and less time on material they already know.
How Spaced-Rehearsal Study Strategy Works
This study strategy revolves around three things: One, study a topic, and make sure you understand it in an in-depth manner. Two, recall by closing your book and try to remember what you learnt without looking at your notes. You review by revising the same information after gradually increasing periods of time.
Therefore, to make space-rehearsal or repetition to work as a study strategy, you can follow some 6 steps. The first step, choose a topic from a subject such as Biology. For example, Nutrition. The second step, study for 25-40 minutes by reading the notes on Nutrition, understanding the concepts, and identifying key information. The third step, test yourself. Close the book, and through note-making as a reading strategy, try writing down what you can remember. Alternatively, attempt practice questions, or use flashcards.
Fourth step, check your answers. Compare your responses with your notes, as you try to identify what you forgot, misrepresented or misunderstood. Fifth step, schedule your next review. So, review the topic the following day. Then, after a few days, a week, and longer intervals. Sixth step, focus on difficult information. Spend more time reviewing concepts you struggle to remember and less time on information you already know well.
Application of Space-rehearsal Study Strategy
For effective spaced-rehearsal, use flashcards to test yourself. Answer questions before checking your notes. Explain concepts aloud in your own words. Review information at increasing intervals. Mix revision with practice questions. Keep track of topics you find difficult. Get enough sleep to support learning and memory.
Then, you can also apply spaced-rehearsal or repetition in a quotidian study routine. For instance, in the morning, you learn a new topic. In the afternoon, you recall the topic without looking at your notes. the next day, review the topic as you answer questions. After, one week, attempt to test yourself, again. After one month, a complete a final review.
Finally, you can use space-rehearsal or repetition study strategy to pore over a specific topic. For example, Democracy in History. Day 1, learn the topic and understand the main concepts. Day 2, recall the information as you correct your mistakes. Day 4, test yourself without looking at your notes. Day 7, review difficult concepts, and answer questions. Day 14, test your knowledge again. Day 30, review the topic to strengthen the long-term memory. Then, it instructive to note: the intervals I have cited are just examples, not fixed rules like laws of Medes and Persia. So, review more frequently in case you find the topic difficult.
Victor Ochieng’ rolls out talks and training services in schools. He speaks to students about useful Study Strategies, Skills, Methods, Habits and Techniques. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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