How Spaced Repetition Improves Learning Retention

Understanding how human memory works

Studies have shown that you forget most of what you learned in school within two years. And the same can easily apply to learning & development programs in the workplace if training developers and managers aren’t careful.

The good news is that scientists have been working on this problem for a while. Researchers have long been fascinated by human memory—how it works, how to enhance it, and why you can remember your childhood home phone number from 40 years ago but not your significant other’s cell phone number today.

The answer to that last one? Repetition, repetition, repetition. Before cell phones, we had to write down phone numbers and manually dial the numbers to call someone. Every time you called home or called your best friend, you were embedding those numbers into your memory. Today you save a phone number into your phone once and never have to think about it again.

That same concept of repetition applies to learning retention.

What is spaced repetition?

This learning concept dates back to 1885 when Ebbinghaus theorized the Forgetting Curve—the concept that we forget things over time unless we revisit them.

Spaced learning—also known as distributed practice or distributed study—involves splitting learning into several short sessions, rather than a few long ones. It’s the exact opposite of cramming for a test the night before or taking one training course at the beginning of a new job and then never again.

The key to this technique is the repetition of concepts. Repeating concepts improves long-term learning and memory and helps prevent learners from forgetting lessons over time.

1. Keep courses short.
Any video content should run for 3 minutes or less. Cover 3-4 concepts per lesson. If these techniques sound familiar to you, it’s because they are the building blocks of microlearning. Microlearning engages learners with modules and activities targeted on a specific result and applies only the content necessary to achieve that result.

2. Space learning out.
Like the name implies, spaced repetition means you need to space the learning out. If you’re delivering classroom training, try to schedule each session a few days apart. If you’re using an LMS, you can space out your course uploads to prevent learners from binge-watching, so to speak.

3. Repeat.
Don’t just repeat the exact same facts or bullet points over and over again. Present the content a little differently each time. Different angles will resonate with different learners and using new scenarios or new interactions each time will keep the content engaging for everyone. Give your learners a chance to act out or rehearse the content as one version of repetition. Repeat concepts at least 2-3 times in different ways. 

And that’s it!

Spaced repetition is not difficult to implement with a little planning and some high-quality microlearning courses. And the benefits are immense. According to cognitive scientist Daniel T. Willingham, “With systematic review over several years, the memory of that material will be nearly indestructible.”

Indestructible retention sounds pretty good, right?