What Is Spaced Repetition?
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals. Instead of studying a topic once and moving on, or cramming everything the night before an exam, spaced repetition schedules reviews at the optimal time to prevent forgetting. Research consistently shows it is the most effective strategy for long-term retention of factual information.
The Science of Forgetting
The "forgetting curve," first described by Hermann Ebbinghaus in 1885, shows that we forget approximately 70% of newly learned information within 24 hours if we do not review it. However, each time we review the information, the forgetting curve becomes shallower, meaning we retain the information longer before needing another review. Spaced repetition exploits this principle by timing your reviews to coincide with the point just before you would forget.
How to Implement Spaced Repetition for NREMT Study
Using Flashcards
Digital flashcard systems like Anki, Quizlet, or NREMTprep's built-in flashcard system implement spaced repetition algorithms automatically. When you answer a card correctly, it is scheduled for review at a longer interval. When you answer incorrectly, it is shown again sooner. Over time, the system learns which concepts you know well and which need more practice, optimizing your study time.
Sample Spacing Schedule
- First review: 1 day after initial learning
- Second review: 3 days after the first review
- Third review: 7 days after the second review
- Fourth review: 14 days after the third review
- Fifth review: 30 days after the fourth review
Applying Spaced Repetition to NREMT Content
Break your study material into discrete, testable facts. Good flashcard topics include medication dosages and indications, assessment sequence steps, vital sign normal ranges by age group, cardiac rhythm characteristics, and protocol decision points. Poor flashcard topics include lengthy paragraphs that require rote memorization without understanding.
Combine spaced repetition with active recall. Instead of simply rereading information, test yourself. Cover the answer side of a flashcard and try to recall the information before flipping it over. This retrieval practice strengthens the memory trace and makes the information more accessible during the actual exam.
Starting Your Spaced Repetition Schedule
Begin your spaced repetition practice at least 4 to 6 weeks before your exam date. This gives you enough time for multiple review cycles across all content areas. Spend 20 to 30 minutes per day reviewing flashcards, focusing on your weakest areas. The consistency of daily review is more important than the duration of each session. By exam day, the information you have reviewed through spaced repetition will be deeply encoded in long-term memory and readily accessible under the stress of the testing environment.