How Spaced Repetition Works

Have you ever studied for a test, aced it, and then forgotten everything a week later? That's the forgetting curve in action.

The Forgetting Curve

Our brains are designed to forget irrelevant information. If you don't review something, the memory trace fades rapidly.

However, if you review the information just before you're about to forget it, the memory becomes stronger, and the forgetting curve flattens out.

What is Spaced Repetition?

Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS) are smart flashcards. Instead of reviewing everything every day, the system calculates the optimal time for you to review each card.

• New Item: Review in 10 minutes.
• Correct Answer: Review in 1 day.
• Correct Again: Review in 3 days.
• Correct Again: Review in 7 days.
• ...and so on.

If you get it wrong, the interval resets, and you review it sooner.

Why We Use It

At A2 Zkouška, we use a modified version of the SM-2 algorithm (used by SuperMemo and Anki).

1. Efficiency: You spend time only on what you struggle with.
2. Long-term Retention: You're building durable memories, not just cramming.
3. Motivation: Seeing your progress visuals helps keep you going.

How to Use It Effectively

1. Be Honest: If you guessed the answer, mark it as "Hard" or "Again".
2. Consistency is Key: A little bit every day is better than a huge session once a week.
3. Trust the Algorithm: Don't worry if you don't see a card for a while. It means you know it!

Start your practice session today and see the difference!