/ Method 03 · The Forgetting Curve
Review just before
you forget.
Spaced Repetition is a scheduling system that has you review material just before you're about to forget it. Instead of cramming, you spread reviews over days, weeks, and months. Not a standalone method — it's a multiplier on everything else.
/What it is
Based on the Forgetting Curve — identified by Hermann Ebbinghaus in 1885. Without review, you forget ~70% of new information within 24 hours. Each timely review resets and extends the curve. Tools like Anki use the SM-2 algorithm to calculate optimal review intervals automatically.
/How to do it
- Create cards or review items — one concept per card
- Do your first review same day or next day
- Rate your recall — easy, medium, or hard
- Let the system schedule the next review automatically
- Show up daily — even 10 minutes makes a huge difference
- Add new material gradually — don't dump 500 cards in at once
/Tools
| Tool | Notes |
|---|---|
| Anki | Most powerful. Free. SM-2 algorithm. Steep setup curve. |
| Quizlet | Easier to start. Less optimised algorithm. |
| RemNote | Notes + flashcards + spaced repetition combined |
| Leitner Box | Physical card system — works without tech |
/Best for
- Large volumes of information to retain long-term
- Vocabulary and language learning
- Certification and exam preparation
- Medical, legal, or technical facts
- Anything you need beyond just exam day
/Common mistakes
- Cramming all reviews into one session — defeats the entire point
- Making cards too complex — one atomic fact per card
- Only adding new cards without clearing review queue
- Treating Anki as passive reading — must combine with active recall
/Ratings
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Retention | ★★★★★ |
| Deep Understanding | ★★ |
| Time Efficiency | ★★★★★ |
| Scalability | ★★★★★ |
| Difficulty to Execute | Medium (tool setup + daily discipline) |
/Stack it with
- Active Recall — The pair. Spaced repetition is when. Active recall is how.
- Pretesting — Use pretest results to build your initial card deck
- Feynman — Understand concepts deeply, then lock them in via spacing
You don't need to study more. You need to study at the right times. Review something just before you forget it, and it sticks longer each time.