Moving From Spaced Repetition to Spaced Learning

This article proposed a strategy that revolves around the cognitive technique known as spaced repetition. Spaced repetition takes advantage of time and reinforces one’s knowledge the moment before one forgets it. This technique involves reviewing material according to a schedule determined by a temporal relationship known as the “spacing effect”. Although beneficial, spaced repetition requires time and as a result, is not without its own limitations. Spaced repetition can help students remember what they learn, but it will not help students deepen their understanding or teach them things they don’t already know. After all, it is spaced repetition, not spaced learning. Overall, spaced repetition is a useful tool that can be further enhanced in combination with other cognitive techniques. During my first two years of medical school, I constantly sought advice from upperclassmen and practicing physicians. Many, if not all, assured me that the majority of my long-term knowledge would be attained during my clinical rotation experiences. As a 3rd year now, I have come to understand why. I have learned that a large component of understanding, retention, and integration during one’s medical education is dependent on memory associations. “Memory association” is a concept that has been studied for many years and in various contexts. The key is the associative design of the human brain. For example, compare the last name “Farmer” to the occupation of being a “fa...
Source: The Health Care Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Learning Medical Education Osmosis Picmonic Spaced Repitition Source Type: blogs