Spaced Review: How It Works and Which App to Use

The quest to optimize learning and combat forgetting leads many students to encounter the concept of spaced review.

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This scientifically proven technique is transforming the way we retain complex information long-term.

The method is based on revisiting the content at progressively longer intervals.

This smart approach, also known as Spaced Repetition, prioritizes quality over quantity of study time.

The goal is to strengthen memory at the exact moment when our brain begins to forget what has been learned.

But how does it actually work, and which digital tool can help you apply it accurately?

In this complete and humanized guide, we will demystify what is spaced review, understand its scientific basis and present the best applications on the market in 2025.

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Get ready to discover the secret of high-performing students.

Summary:

What is Spaced Repetition and Why is it Essential?
How Does the Forgetting Curve Explain Forgetting?
What are the Unparalleled Benefits of Spaced Review?
How to Set Up an Effective Spaced Review Cycle?
What is the Best Spaced Review App in 2025?
Anki, Quizlet, Remnote, and Other Successful Alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions about the Spaced Repetition Technique

What is Spaced Repetition and Why is it Essential?

A spaced review is a learning method that involves revisiting information at increasing intervals after initial study.

It works like a strength training workout for your brain, where each repetition strengthens the synapse.

This technique avoids intensive last-minute studying, the famous “cramming”, which only generates short-term memory.

Instead, the information gradually moves into long-term memory, making it more solid.

You review a topic today, then revisit it in three days, a week, two weeks, and so on, strategically.

The core of the method is to trigger your active memory just before natural forgetting sets in completely.

It's a much more efficient system than simply rereading notes, as it forces the mind to actively retrieve the content.

This active retrieval is crucial to consolidate knowledge into your brain structure.

Why do you still struggle to retain information when science has already pointed out a much smarter way? spaced review It's not just a technique; it's a reengineering of the way you study.

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How Does the Forgetting Curve Explain Forgetting?

The fundamental concept behind the spaced review is the famous Forgetting Curve, developed by the German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in 1885.

He demonstrated that we forget information very quickly after learning it.

This curve shows a sharp decline in memory retention in the first 24 hours after studying if there is no review.

Most new information can be lost in a matter of hours or a few days.

For example, Ebbinghaus observed that after just 20 minutes, people had already lost about 58% of what they had learned. This is a staggering statistic that illustrates the ineffectiveness of passive study.

The key is to introduce strategic revisions that serve as a “reset” on this downward curve. Each new spaced review raises the level of retention and makes the rate of forgetting increasingly slower.

Here's a relevant statistic: Studies show that spaced repetition can help students retain up to 80% or more of a piece of information for months when applied correctly.

That's a huge difference compared to the 10% that remain after a month without review.

What are the Unparalleled Benefits of Spaced Review?

The benefits of spaced review They go far beyond simply remembering more information for the next day's test. The main benefit is the robust consolidation of knowledge in long-term memory.

You will experience a time saving significant, as you'll focus your energy only on what you're about to forget. There's no more wasted time reviewing what you've already mastered.

The technique promotes a maximum efficiency in learning, allowing you to progress more quickly in different subjects.

It's like having a personal assistant that tells you exactly what to review and when.

Your ability to individual adaptation Another strong point is that the method adapts to your difficulties, requiring more frequent review for difficult topics. This ensures that your study time is directed where it's most needed.

A spaced review combined with active retrieval (such as using flashcards) also strengthens the connection between concepts.

You don't just memorize isolated facts, but build solid, interconnected knowledge.

In a context of tests and competitions, where the volume of material is immense, technique becomes a game changer.

It allows medical and law students, for example, to retain colossal volumes of information in a lasting way.

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How to Set Up an Effective Spaced Review Cycle?

Implement a cycle of spaced review It may seem complex at first, but the basic principle is simple. The most popular and practical cycle to start with is the 24-7-30 cycle, although it can be adapted.

In the 24-7-30 model, the first review occurs 24 hours after the initial study of the content. This crucial moment stabilizes the still-fresh memory and prevents the initial decline in the Forgetting Curve.

The second review should be scheduled for a week after the study, when you need to actively recall the content. This repetition reinforces memory in a deeper and more lasting way.

Finally, the third review occurs a full month after the study, consolidating the material in your long-term memory. After this cycle, the interval can extend to two months, six months, or more.

Your first practical action is to break the content into “atoms” of information, transforming them into question and answer pairs. Digital flashcards are the ideal format for this active, spaced review.

Analogy: Think of spaced review like watering a plant. You don't flood the plant with water all at once (intense study), nor do you let it dry out (total forgetfulness).

You water it at ideal intervals, gradually increasing the time between waterings so that the roots (memory) strengthen deeply and steadily.

Revision	Suggested Interval (After Initial Study)	Main Objective
1st Revision	24 Hours	Beating the initial drop of the Forgetting Curve
2nd Revision	7 Days	Strengthen memory and make it more stable
3rd Revision	30 Days	Consolidate content in long-term memory
Future Revisions	Increased Intervals (2 months, 6 months, etc.)	Maintenance and definitive retention of knowledge

The intervals are suggestions and should be adapted to the difficulty of the subject and your individual performance.

What is the Best Spaced Review App in 2025?

The true magic of spaced review modern is in software that uses intelligent algorithms.

These apps calculate the exact moment you need to review each piece of information, personalizing the cycle.

The name that dominates the market and is widely recognized by the high-performance student community is Anki.

It's not just a flashcards; is a robust, open-source Spaced Repetition System (SRS).

Anki is the top choice for its ability to tailor the review interval with scientific precision to each flashcardIf you guess the card easily, the app spaces out the next review longer.

If, on the other hand, you make a mistake or have trouble remembering the answer, Anki reduces the repetition interval. This fine-grained customization ensures your focus is always on where your memory is weakest.

Furthermore, Anki's versatility is unparalleled, allowing you to create flashcards with images, audio, and even programming code.

It's free for desktop and Android, offering unbeatable value for money for long-lasting learning.

Its community is vast and active, offering thousands of ready-made decks on various subjects, but the ideal is to create your own. Actively creating cards is, in itself, a powerful form of study.

Anki, Quizlet, Remnote, and Other Successful Alternatives

While Anki stands out as the most powerful algorithmic tool for spaced review, other options deserve attention and may better suit your style.

It is important to know the alternatives available in 2025.

O Quizlet It is a very popular platform with a more user-friendly interface, offering different interactive study modes.

Although it is great for creating flashcards and games, its spaced repetition algorithm is less aggressive and adaptive than Anki's.

O Remnote positions itself as a hybrid application, combining hierarchical note-taking functionality (Outliner) with integrated SRS. You transform your notes into flashcards in a fluid and direct way.

There is also the SuperMemo, the original application of spaced review, which introduced the most optimized algorithm (SM-2, for example).

It's a powerful tool, but it has a steeper learning curve and a less modern look.

To choose, you should consider the complexity of your content and the degree of algorithmic personalization you seek in your spaced review.

For high-volume, long-term studying (like exams), Anki is the undisputed king.

If you're learning a new language and need audio features or game modes, Quizlet can be a great entry point. The best tool is the one you use consistently.

Original Example 1 (Anki in use): Imagine studying hundreds of muscles and their innervations for an anatomy test.

In Anki, you see the flashcard "Biceps Brachii Muscle – Innervation." If you remember immediately (score 3), the app shows you the card again in 4 days. If you hesitate (score 2), it reduces the interval to 1 day, ensuring retention.

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How to Integrate Spaced Review into Your Daily Study Routine?

The beauty of spaced review is that it integrates organically into your routine, without requiring exhaustive sessions. The key is to have the discipline to maintain consistency and not skip scheduled checkups.

Set aside a fixed block of time in your schedule, ideally at the beginning or end of the day, just for the daily reviews suggested by the app.

Twenty to thirty minutes of focused review with flashcards already make a monumental difference.

This review session should be active: Avoid simply rereading the answer. Force yourself to try to remember the content before turning the page. flashcard, because effort is what consolidates memory.

A common mistake is to use the spaced review as an initial study; it is, in fact, a memorization system.

First, you actively learn the content (by making summaries or mind maps), and only then enter it into the system.

Original Example 2 (Integration into routine): For a history student who has just seen the French Revolution, he creates 40 flashcards on the topic in Anki.

The next day, the first 24-hour review appears in your daily list, mixed in with Biology cards from weeks ago. This interleaving is what enhances learning.

To deepen your knowledge about learning techniques and how memory works, we recommend reading scientific articles on the subject in authoritative publications such as National Science Network for Education (CpE Network).

Frequently Asked Questions About the Spaced Repetition Technique

Does spaced review work for any type of content?

Yes, research indicates that spaced review It's effective for a variety of learning types, from language vocabulary and historical dates to complex math concepts and motor skills. The key is to transform the content into information units for active review.

Is it better to create my own flashcards or use ready-made decks?

Create your own flashcards is always the best strategy, as the act of synthesizing information is already a powerful learning mechanism. Ready-made decks can be used as a supplement, but they shouldn't be your only source of information. spaced review.

How often should I do spaced review?

The frequency should be determined by your application's algorithm, which is the heart of the spaced reviewIf you're using a manual cycle, follow the 24-7-30 rule as a starting point and adjust as you feel yourself losing or mastering the subject.

Does spaced review replace traditional studying?

No, it is a powerful and indispensable complement to traditional study. spaced review is the retention and memorization system, while the initial study is the phase of understanding and assimilation of the new content.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Long-Term Memory

A spaced review It is not a passing fad, but a study strategy based on solid neuroscience evidence.

It offers the smartest way to overcome the inevitable Forgetting Curve and consolidate learning.

By adopting this technique, whether with the powerful Anki or another app of your choice, you're investing in a method that maximizes your time and energy.

Stop studying more and start studying more efficiently and strategically.

Your journey to strong long-term memory starts now, with a simple habit change.

Transform the way you remember, master the content, and achieve your academic goals with much greater confidence.

For a deeper look at the practical application of memorization techniques in complex contexts, visit the Stoodi's Blog for more relevant information.

Written by Marcos Alves Updated October 10, 2025

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