#spacing effect

[favemusiclessons]

The Memorization Techniques That Work

This is my technique to easily memorize new songs and licks on the guitar! But really - the Spacing Effect is a technique that helps you memorize almost anything!

More Justin text about the Spacing Effect

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

Unlocking Mastery through Periodic Microlearning and Retrieval Practice

In today’s fast-paced work environment, continuous learning is not just an option; it's a necessity. Organizations seek to enhance employee performance, and one effective strategy for achieving this is through microlearning. This approach delivers content in bite-sized chunks, making it easier for employees to absorb and retain information.

Microlearning is especially potent when combined with spaced repetition and retrieval practice—two techniques that reinforce learning and memory retention. When implemented correctly, periodic microlearning snippets not only increase performance but also help employees achieve mastery in their respective fields.

The Power of Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition involves revisiting information at increasing intervals over time. This method is rooted in psychological principles and has been shown to combat the forgetting curve, a theory introduced by Hermann Ebbinghaus, which illustrates how information is lost over time when there are no attempts to retain it. According to research, learning drops from 100% to 75% very quickly, and only 25% of what is learned remains after six days without reinforcement (Ebbinghaus, 1885).

The key to spaced repetition is timing. The intervals between reviews must be carefully calibrated to ensure that the information is revisited just before it is forgotten. By doing this, organizations can help employees build a stronger memory of critical knowledge, ultimately leading to enhanced job performance and greater retention of information.

Integrating Retrieval Practice

While spaced repetition is crucial, incorporating retrieval practice further enhances learning. This technique involves actively recalling information from memory rather than passively reviewing it. Research indicates that retrieval practice can lead to more robust memory formation, as it reinforces the neural pathways associated with that knowledge.

In practice, retrieval can take various forms: quizzes, flashcards, or even informal discussions about the material. These active recall exercises encourage employees to engage with the content, thus deepening their understanding and retention. As studies have shown, testing is more effective than re-studying when it comes to long-term retention (Roediger & Butler, 2011).

A Case Study: Enhancing Patient-Nurse Interaction

To illustrate the effectiveness of these concepts, consider the case of a training manager at XYZ Healthcare. Tasked with improving the quality of patient-nurse interactions, he divided nurses into two teams—Team A and Team B—to evaluate the impact of spaced repetition and retrieval practice.

Both teams were subjected to microlearning snippets as revision material every two weeks for three months. However, Team A received additional retrieval practice through quizzes and questions related to the material. The results after three months were striking: Team A displayed a significant improvement in their behavioral responses at work compared to Team B, who had only undergone spaced repetition.

This case underscores the importance of integrating both spaced repetition and retrieval practice in training programs. While both teams received periodic learning reinforcement, Team A's use of retrieval techniques proved to be the differentiating factor in achieving better outcomes.

Building Core Competencies and Competitive Advantage

The combination of spaced repetition and retrieval practice not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to creating core competencies within an organization. When employees master their skills and knowledge, it directly influences the organization’s overall performance. Mastery leads to confidence, which fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Organizations that leverage these techniques gain a competitive advantage. Employees become more adept at applying their knowledge in practical settings, leading to increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced organizational effectiveness. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that training interventions incorporating retrieval practice resulted in a 25% increase in job performance among participants (Vaughn et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Incorporating periodic microlearning snippets alongside spaced repetition and retrieval practice can significantly elevate training effectiveness and organizational performance. As demonstrated by the case study at XYZ Healthcare, the integration of these techniques not only enhances learning but also fosters an environment where employees can achieve mastery in their areas of expertise.

To stay competitive in today’s ever-evolving market, organizations must prioritize continuous learning strategies. By embracing microlearning, spaced repetition, and retrieval practice, companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce, leading to sustained growth and success.

References

Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology.

Roediger, H. L., & Butler, A. C. (2011). The critical role of retrieval practice in long-term retention. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 15(1), 20-27.

Vaughn, C., Linder, R., & Young, K. (2018). Enhancing job performance through retrieval practice. Journal of Applied Psychology, 103(5), 499-508.

By understanding the synergy between spaced repetition and retrieval practice, organizations can ensure that their training initiatives not only provide immediate benefits but also lead to long-lasting impacts on performance and expertise.

[reasonsforhope]

"With “green corridors” that mimic the natural forest, the Colombian city is driving down temperatures — and could become five degrees cooler over the next few decades.

In the face of a rapidly heating planet, the City of Eternal Spring — nicknamed so thanks to its year-round temperate climate — has found a way to keep its cool.

Previously, Medellín had undergone years of rapid urban expansion, which led to a severe urban heat island effect — raising temperatures in the city to significantly higher than in the surrounding suburban and rural areas. Roads and other concrete infrastructure absorb and maintain the sun’s heat for much longer than green infrastructure.

“Medellín grew at the expense of green spaces and vegetation,” says Pilar Vargas, a forest engineer working for City Hall. “We built and built and built. There wasn’t a lot of thought about the impact on the climate. It became obvious that had to change.”

Efforts began in 2016 under Medellín’s then mayor, Federico Gutiérrez (who, after completing one term in 2019, was re-elected at the end of 2023). The city launched a new approach to its urban development — one that focused on people and plants.

The $16.3 million initiative led to the creation of 30 Green Corridors along the city’s roads and waterways, improving or producing more than 70 hectares of green space, which includes 20 kilometers of shaded routes with cycle lanes and pedestrian paths.

These plant and tree-filled spaces — which connect all sorts of green areas such as the curb strips, squares, parks, vertical gardens, sidewalks, and even some of the seven hills that surround the city — produce fresh, cooling air in the face of urban heat. The corridors are also designed to mimic a natural forest with levels of low, medium and high plants, including native and tropical plants, bamboo grasses and palm trees.

Heat-trapping infrastructure like metro stations and bridges has also been greened as part of the project and government buildings have been adorned with green roofs and vertical gardens to beat the heat. The first of those was installed at Medellín’s City Hall, where nearly 100,000 plants and 12 species span the 1,810 square meter surface.

“It’s like urban acupuncture,” says Paula Zapata, advisor for Medellín at C40 Cities, a global network of about 100 of the world’s leading mayors. “The city is making these small interventions that together act to make a big impact.”

At the launch of the project, 120,000 individual plants and 12,500 trees were added to roads and parks across the city. By 2021, the figure had reached 2.5 million plants and 880,000 trees. Each has been carefully chosen to maximize their impact.

“The technical team thought a lot about the species used. They selected endemic ones that have a functional use,” explains Zapata.

The 72 species of plants and trees selected provide food for wildlife, help biodiversity to spread and fight air pollution. A study, for example, identified Mangifera indica as the best among six plant species found in Medellín at absorbing PM2.5 pollution — particulate matter that can cause asthma, bronchitis and heart disease — and surviving in polluted areas due to its “biochemical and biological mechanisms.”

And the urban planting continues to this day.

The groundwork is carried out by 150 citizen-gardeners like Pineda, who come from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds, with the support of 15 specialized forest engineers. Pineda is now the leader of a team of seven other gardeners who attend to corridors all across the city, shifting depending on the current priorities...

“I’m completely in favor of the corridors,” says [Victoria Perez, another citizen-gardener], who grew up in a poor suburb in the city of 2.5 million people. “It really improves the quality of life here.”

Wilmar Jesus, a 48-year-old Afro-Colombian farmer on his first day of the job, is pleased about the project’s possibilities for his own future. “I want to learn more and become better,” he says. “This gives me the opportunity to advance myself.”

The project’s wider impacts are like a breath of fresh air. Medellín’s temperatures fell by 2°C in the first three years of the program, and officials expect a further decrease of 4 to 5C over the next few decades, even taking into account climate change. In turn, City Hall says this will minimize the need for energy-intensive air conditioning...

In addition, the project has had a significant impact on air pollution. Between 2016 and 2019, the level of PM2.5 fell significantly, and in turn the city’s morbidity rate from acute respiratory infections decreased from 159.8 to 95.3 per 1,000 people [Note: That means the city's rate of people getting sick with lung/throat/respiratory infections.]

There’s also been a 34.6 percent rise in cycling in the city, likely due to the new bike paths built for the project, and biodiversity studies show that wildlife is coming back — one sample of five Green Corridors identified 30 different species of butterfly.

Other cities are already taking note. Bogotá and Barranquilla have adopted similar plans, among other Colombian cities, and last year São Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in South America, began expanding its corridors after launching them in 2022.

“For sure, Green Corridors could work in many other places,” says Zapata."

-via Reasons to Be Cheerful, March 4, 2024

[spacedrepetition]

Master Your Memory: How to Harness Spaced Repetition for Lifelong Learning

Are you tired of forgetting important information shortly after learning it? Do you wish there was a way to make your memory more reliable and efficient? Enter spaced repetition, a powerful technique rooted in cognitive psychology that can revolutionize how you learn and retain information.

What is Spaced Repetition?

Spaced repetition is a scientifically proven method for enhancing long-term retention of information through strategically spaced review sessions. The concept is simple yet effective: instead of cramming information all at once, spaced repetition involves reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. This approach takes advantage of the spacing effect, which suggests that information is better remembered when it is revisited at intervals just before you are about to forget it.

How Does Spaced Repetition Work?

At its core, spaced repetition relies on a spaced review schedule tailored to each individual's learning curve. When you encounter new information, you input it into a spaced repetition system (SRS) — a software or app designed to manage your review schedule. The SRS calculates the optimal time to review each piece of information based on algorithms that take into account factors like your initial confidence level and past performance.

Here's a basic overview of how spaced repetition works:

Input Information: Start by inputting the information you want to learn into your chosen spaced repetition app. This could include vocabulary words, historical dates, mathematical formulas, or any other facts or concepts you want to remember.

Review Sessions: The spaced repetition software schedules review sessions based on the difficulty of the material and your performance during previous reviews. Initially, you'll review the information frequently, but as you demonstrate mastery, the intervals between reviews will gradually increase.

Review and Repeat: During each review session, you'll be presented with the information you've previously studied. Pay attention to items you struggle with, as these will be prioritized for future review. As you progress, you'll spend less time on familiar material and more time on challenging concepts.

Optimize Learning: Adjust your study habits based on feedback from the spaced repetition system. If you find certain topics particularly difficult to remember, consider breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks or supplementing your learning with additional resources.

Tips for Using Spaced Repetition Effectively:

Consistency is Key: Make spaced repetition a regular part of your study routine. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for review sessions to reinforce your learning.

Start Small: Begin with a manageable amount of material and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable with the spaced repetition process.

Stay Engaged: Actively engage with the material during review sessions by testing yourself with recall exercises or explaining concepts in your own words. This helps reinforce your understanding and improves retention.

Use Multiple Modalities: Incorporate a variety of study techniques, such as flashcards, quizzes, and mnemonic devices, to reinforce learning through different channels.

Embrace Mistakes: Don't be discouraged by incorrect responses during review sessions. Mistakes are an essential part of the learning process and can help identify areas that require further attention.

Unlock Your Learning Potential with Spaced Repetition

Whether you're a student preparing for exams, a professional seeking to expand your knowledge base, or simply someone interested in optimizing your memory, spaced repetition offers a powerful tool for enhancing learning and retention. By harnessing the principles of spaced repetition and integrating them into your study routine, you can unlock your full learning potential and embark on a journey of lifelong knowledge acquisition.

Have you tried spaced repetition before? Share your experiences, tips, and favourite spaced repetition tools in the comments below! Let's learn and grow together.

[catmask]

sometimes while i think about that while a lot of adults did not treat me very well as a kid i also get a lot of 'in hindsight this person was so good to me and i didnt even realize it until now' as an adult. today i was thinking about how the first anime convention i ever went to was when i was 10 and i asked the man working the manga cafe what manga was/what a good place to start was (because the con was very overstimulating for me and i had gotten lost) and he asked how old i was before recommending yotsuba and asking if i wanted any water or something to eat. its really simple but theres a lot of bad things that couldve happened or he could've been careless in his recommendation, but instead yotsuba has remained one of my favorite manga for years, and probably a large portion of why i continue to read manga as an adult... i think adults who try to involve kids in the world safely/kindly even in little ways make so much more of a difference than they ever really know.

[ink-the-artist]

house tour :)

bonus art, lossy versions of the first 2 gifs

[synthaphone]

loosely colored these tigers i doodled a while back, for fun

[spacizia]

he’s just a swinging space age bachelor man!!!!

[makowcy]

gif from that hit 90s space mining anime that is real and not made by me

au by @kiszoneszczury

[scipunk]

Stargate (1994)

[tachvintlogic]

Humans are a bad influence

Human: It really is an amazing coincidence...

Ztsaxhi: Hey guys, the food replicator glitched out and gave me way more food than it should. Want some? It's kind of like human "chips."

Käfavayarlop: Is it safe for my species?

Ztsaxhi: Let me check... no poisons but...oh damn, the food guide says it has capsaicin that's painful for you. Sorry.

Human: Ooh, Let me have some then!

Ztsaxhi: Go ahead.

Käfavayarlop: But wait, weren't we just saying that Käfavayarlopen and humans have weirdly similar taste buds—

Human *bites into chip*: Wow! Hggh, that is— REALLY spicy! You were not kidding about capsaicin.

Ztsaxhi: Are you okay?

Human: Fine! It's actually good, I swear. *eats the rest of the chip*

Käfavayarlop: Your face is turning red.

Human: Yeah, capsaicin does cause pain, that's the spiciness, but it's a good kind of pain. It adds to the flavor. *takes another chip*

Ztsaxhi: So "spiciness" is just pain?

Human: Kind of. It's—It's an acquired taste.

Käfavayarlop: ...I want to try.

Ztsaxhi: No!

Human: Let them! Though I will warn you this is not beginner friendly.

Käfavayarlop: *bites* Sacred Gonork! My mouth is on fire!

Human: You good?

Käfavayarlop: No. *takes another bite*

Ztsaxhi: No, don't keep eating it!

Käfavayarlop: But it's good.

Human: Is bovine milk safe for them? We probably need it.

Ztsaxhi: I'll check, yes it is. Wait, is this what all those jokes about humans pairing Ztsaxhi cuisine with milk are about?

Human: Yeah, it helps with the pain.

Ztsaxhi: Why would you even eat food that hurts you?

Human and Käfavayarlop: It's an acquired taste.

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

Maximizing Training ROI: The Power of Spaced Repetition and Retrieval in Microlearning

It’s a known fact that learners forget most of what they learned within six months of training. This is one of the reasons why many training programs fail to deliver a solid return on investment (ROI).

But why does this happen?

Over a century ago, in the 1870s, Hermann Ebbinghaus introduced the ‘Forgetting Curve’ theory, showing that memory decays over time. However, there’s a solution: repeating the learning and encouraging learners to recall information through deep dives into their memory.

How can we ensure this repetition and recall? The answer lies in Microlearning.

How Much of What’s Learned is Forgotten?

According to Ebbinghaus:

Learning retention drops from 100% to 75% within minutes.

After 20 minutes, only 58% of information remains.

After 1 hour, it decreases to 44%, and after a day, only 33% is retained.

A mere 25% remains after six days.

The big question for businesses is: How can you ensure your workforce retains what they’ve learned after 3 or 6 months?

After all, the effectiveness of your training is on the line.

Turbo-charging Training Effectiveness with Spaced Repetition and Retrieval

To improve training effectiveness, two powerful techniques can be employed: Spaced Repetition and Spaced Retrieval. When these are used together, they can significantly boost learning outcomes.

Spaced Repetition involves providing learners with the same content at regular intervals. By doing so, the brain is forced to reactivate memory just before it forgets, strengthening retention.

Key considerations for spaced repetition:

How frequently should information be repeated?

How to balance reviewing old information while introducing new learning?

Timing the repetition so it doesn’t overload learners or interfere with what’s already been learned.

Spaced Retrieval is the practice of recalling previously learned information. This technique strengthens memory by making what’s been recalled more easily accessible in the future. Think of spaced retrieval as a powerful memory modifier.

The combination of spaced repetition and retrieval ensures better memory retention and recall, transforming microlearning into a robust tool for training reinforcement and augmentation.

How to Implement Spaced Repetition and Retrieval

Start with spaced repetition and then elicit retrieval practice.

The interval between microlearning snippets will vary based on factors such as:

The criticality of the information being learned

The likelihood of learners forgetting the information

Critical information with a high impact on business operations requires frequent repetition. For example, high-risk or regulatory topics may need to be reinforced more often.

There are two ways to schedule microlearning lessons:

Uniform schedule: The intervals between repetitions remain consistent, such as repeating content every two months.

Expanding schedule: The intervals increase progressively (e.g., 1 month, then 2 months, then 3 months), allowing learners to review the material as they approach the forgetting threshold.

How Retrieval Practice Builds Memory

Retrieval practice enhances memory retention by prompting learners to recall information. This can be done via quizzes, tests, gamification exercises, or simulations. Unlike passive review, active recall strengthens the ‘memory trace,’ making it easier to access the information in the future.

Testing is far more effective for memory retention than re-studying content. Quizzes and retrieval exercises not only test knowledge but also modify the memory, leading to deeper learning.

The Impact of Spaced Repetition and Retrieval Practice

By integrating spaced repetition and retrieval practice into microlearning, you create an environment where learners can:

Improve memory retention and recall

Influence their behavior at work through repeated exposure to key concepts

Gain mastery in their area of expertise

This approach helps create a workforce with strong core competencies, providing a competitive edge for the organization.

Case Study: Spaced Repetition and Retrieval in Action

Let’s look at a real-world example. A training manager at XYZ Healthcare aimed to improve the quality of patient-nurse communication. Two teams of nurses participated in the experiment:

Team A: Received spaced repetition (microlearning snippets) every two weeks for three months.

Team B: Received spaced repetition and additional retrieval practice (quizzes and recall exercises) over the same period.

After three months, Team A, which received both spaced repetition and retrieval practice, showed a significant behavioral improvement compared to Team B. The additional retrieval practice made the difference in their ability to apply the learning effectively.

Conclusion

To boost training effectiveness and ROI, it’s essential to combine spaced repetition and retrieval practice in your microlearning strategy. Together, these techniques enhance memory retention, reinforce learning, and lead to better on-the-job performance.

By doing this, you’ll ensure your employees don’t just learn — they remember, apply, and excel.

[nukednick]

look at them!

[spacedrepetition]

Elevate Your Learning Game with Spaced Repetition Systems

Why Spaced Repetition Rocks:

🧠 Efficient Learning: Say goodbye to endless cramming sessions. SRS helps you memorize information more efficiently by spacing out your study sessions. It's like a personal tutor that knows exactly when to pop up with a review.

💡 Long-Term Retention: Ever aced a test only to forget everything a week later? SRS has your back. It's designed to help you remember stuff for the long haul, not just for the next exam.

📱 Tech-Savvy Studying: Whether you're into apps like Anki or prefer good ol' flashcards, there's a tech solution for everyone. Take your pick and let the digital magic begin.

How to Get Started:

Pick Your Platform: Choose an SRS app or tool that suits your style. There are plenty out there, so explore until you find the perfect fit.

Load Up Content: Got study material? Great! Load it into your chosen SRS platform or start creating your own flashcards. The more personalized, the better.

Set a Schedule: Consistency is key. Block out some time each day or week for your SRS sessions. Stick to it like glue, and watch the knowledge stack up.

Trust the Process: At first, the intervals might seem random, but trust the algorithm. It's got your best interests at heart and knows when you need a refresher.

Keep It Fun: Learning should never be a chore. Mix things up, challenge yourself, and celebrate your wins along the way. You've got this!

Why You'll Love It:

🌈 Personalized Learning: SRS adapts to your pace and performance, so you're always getting the right dose of brain fuel.

🚀 Supercharged Memory: Watch in awe as your memory transforms into a steel trap of knowledge. No more blanking out during presentations!

🎉 Achievement Unlocked: Every correct answer is a victory. Collect those wins and revel in the satisfaction of leveling up your brainpower.

Final Thoughts:

Ready to unleash your inner Einstein? Spaced Repetition Systems are your ticket to academic success, professional prowess, and all-around brainy brilliance. So what are you waiting for? Dive in, start studying smarter, and prepare to amaze yourself with what you can achieve. Your brain will thank you later! 🚀🧠✨

[dynamitegun]

Can we acknowledge the fact that Commander Shepard memorized the names of the eight Alliance warships lost during the Battle of the Citadel?

Shepard: "The turians lost twenty cruisers, figure each had a crew of around 300. The Ascension, the asari dreadnought we saved, had a crew of nearly 10,000."

Khalisah: "But surely the human cost—"

Shepard: "The Alliance lost eight cruisers: Shen Yang, Emden, Jakarta, Cairo, Seoul, Cape Town, Warsaw, Madrid and yes, I remember them all. Everyone in the Fifth Fleet is a hero. The Alliance owes them all medals, the Council owes them a lot more than that. And so do you."

If you make the Paragon choice, ordering the Fifth Fleet in to save the Destiny Ascension it costs the Alliance dearly both in ships and lives, and Shepard never forgets this. They enshrine the names of the lost ships, the number of crew, as a reminder. That when called upon the System's Alliance was willing to go into harms way damn the costs.

A high cost it was.

...

O hear us when we seek thy grace

For those who soar through outer space

[taya-ki]

Night at Quarks ✧