Learning How to Learn · Memory
How to learn: retrieval, spacing, and the forgetting curve
Re-reading feels productive but doesn't stick. Testing yourself and spacing reviews does. This is exactly how this app schedules your reviews.
Step 1 of 7 · 1. The forgetting curve20 min read ·
1. The forgetting curve
Hermann Ebbinghaus (1885) found memory drops fast after learning, steepest in the first day, unless you review. Each well-timed review flattens the curve.
| Review | When | This app |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | next day | box 1 → 1 day |
| 2nd | ~3 days later | box 2 → 3 days |
| 3rd | ~1 week | box 3 → 7 days |
| 4th | ~2 weeks | box 4 → 14 days |
| 5th | ~1 month | box 5 → 30 days |
Next: 2. The big three techniques