How to Use Spaced Repetition for Staff Learning

Spaced repetition strengthens the mental pattern of retained information in our brains, allowing for the consolidation of greater amounts of new knowledge in a shorter amount of time.

Spaced repetition means reviewing material in snippets each day after initial absorption with increasing large gaps between reviews. It allows the pieces of information to formulate into chunks of easily remembered, low cognitive load pieces instead of detached and fragmented knowledge. These chunks are better retained when re-gathering the information to create a clear and whole picture.

Conceptualisation and connection of core concepts (try saying that quickly three times) is enhanced through putting the practice of spaced repetition into play in staff learning, which you can easily do through these 4 steps:

1. Review information within the timeframe of 20-24 hours after initial absorption of new knowledge

Make sure you attempt to look away from your notes as much as possible when recalling the most important points. Recalling is often mistaken for rereading, however rereading does not stimulate the brain, having hardly any impact on strengthening recall from memory whatsoever. Moral of the story: recall, not reread.

2. Within 48 hours (24 hours from Step 1), recall information with even less assistance from your notes

If you want to get creative, or the warm patch in which you are sitting has gotten all too much, try recalling information when walking around to stimulate the brain. Flashcards are outdated, which means it is now a good time to make use of microlearning modules to test yourself in bursts, triggering the remembrance of further information.

3. Now for the grind. After Step 2, continue to recall information over the next few days every 24-36 hours

This is a good time to attempt recall in the form of mobile learning quizzes to ask yourself questions and come up with the correct answer, known as gamification. A good way to do this is through the use of microlearning modules, with the question/prompt triggering your answer. There is no need for an intensive study session, rather a quick recall of material whilst completing your daily activities, whether you’re playing a game of tennis or eating your breakfast. Completely up to you, you’re calling the shots.

4. In order to be completely packed with knowledge that will stick, study for one week

Use your material to reconsolidate and reprocess the information you have already revised to construct an invincible knowledge bubble!

And there you have it, spaced repetition is the key to all of your forgetful woes.

Want to know more about how to implement spaced repetition for staff learning?

If you’d like to know more about SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s implementation of spaced repetition – called Brain Boost spaced repetition app (which is based upon the SM-2 algorithm) – and how it enhances institutional through the use of space repetition for staff learning, get in touch at enquiries@edapp.com. You can also try SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Mobile LMS for free by signing up here.

Source
https://examinedexistence.com/why-spaced-repetition-is-important-to-learning-and-how-to-do-it/

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