Active Recall vs Spaced Repetition: Which is Best To Use?

Are you a uni student wondering how you are going to remember everything? 

You might have heard of active recall and spaced repetition, but aren’t sure which approach is best for improving your memory and helping you slay your exams like a pro.

If so, then this post is for you!  

As a seasoned ex-uni student, with over 10 years of academic experience under my belt and winning the award for Best Overall Academic Performance at my university in my 2nd year, these are the two scientific study methods I swear by.

Today I’m going to take a closer look at active recall vs spaced repetition. 

These are two popular and proven yet different memorization techniques that are designed to help students better remember facts and different concepts. 

I’ll go through the definitions of each method, explore how they work, and discover when one may be more helpful than the other! 

By the end of this post, you will have a boss understanding of these two approaches and know which one might suit where you are in study mode. 

So read on and let’s get started!

This post is all about Active Recall vs Spaced Repetition.

ACTIVE RECALL VS SPACED REPETITION

First, we will get the mini answer before we look at these two study methods in a little more detail. 

Active Recall works well for short-term memory retention, while Spaced Repetition is better for long-term fact and memory building. Finding the right balance is key, so try experimenting with both methods to see what works best for you!

So with the short answer in place let’s get an overview of these two methods to help you ace your study goals and smash your exams!

What is active recall and how does it help you study smart? 

Studying smart is a goal of every student! 

And it's worth knowing when you are pouring over those textbooks that the technique of active recall can be a game-changer. 

I know it was for me, the first time I used it, it forever changed the way I study for my exams!

Active recall is a study hack that can improve your academic performance and help you to score impressive marks on exams or a big test. 

According to many different studies, students who used active recall scored better in exams than by using passive review/ study techniques.

So rather than just re-reading your notes or textbook, active recall means actively trying to pull out a piece of information from your memory. 

There are lots of ways to do this.

• From writing out summaries from memory, 
• to using flashcards and, 
• even just saying out loud what you’ve learned to a friend! 

The main thing is that you're actively engaging with the material, which helps solidify it in your memory.

Plus, by practising recalling the information, you're better prepared for test-taking situations where you'll need to pull chunks of information from memory quickly and accurately.

Ok so with active recall covered, let’s find out what spaced repetition means and how it can help you.

Related Article: Active Recall vs Rereading: Which Study Technique is Better?

Let's dive into the benefits of active recall, I'll try to explain it an analogy that is simple, easy to understand and digest.

Benefits of Active Recall

1. Enhanced Retrieval Strength

• Picture this: you're in the middle of an intense exam, and you need to summon information from the depths of your memory. Well, with regular active recall exercises, you'll have the retrieval strength of a superhero! 
• It strengthens those memory recall pathways, making it a piece of cake to recall important information when you need it most. Say goodbye to those dreaded "blank moments" or "brain farts".

2. Identifying Knowledge Gaps

• Active recall is like a detective investigating your brain. It helps you uncover those sneaky knowledge gaps that might be lurking in the shadows. 
• By actively retrieving information, you'll spot areas where you struggle and realize, "Aha! There's a gap in my understanding!" It's like a secret code to unlock a whole new level of learning.

3. Long-Term Retention

• Let's face it, college is a marathon, not a sprint. And active recall is the key to staying in the game for the long haul. By engaging in active retrieval at spaced, specific intervals (yeah, we're talking about the spaced repetition technique here too), you'll encode that precious knowledge into your long-term memory vault. 
• So, when you're rocking those final exam months down the line, you'll be ready to slay it like a memory ninja.

4. Efficient Use of Study Time

• Who has time to waste on mindless and ineffective study sessions? Not you, my friend! Active recall is all about working smarter, not harder. Instead of mindlessly flipping through pages or scrolling through social media (I see you LOL), active recall focuses on targeted retrieval. 
• It's like a laser beam of concentration, making your study sessions more efficient and effective. You'll conquer mountains of new information in no time!

So, embrace your inner memory ninja, and make the active recall method your study sidekick. With enhanced retrieval strength, uncovering knowledge gaps, long-term retention, and efficient study time, you'll be unstoppable using the power of active recall.

Related Articles: Active Recall vs Blurting: Best Study Method for Revision 

Every learning process has its pros and cons and active recall is no exception, there are a few cons to consider. Let's get into it.

Limitations of Active Recall: Tread with Caution

While active recall is a mighty study technique, it's important to recognize its limitations. Here are a few things to consider when using the active recall technique:

1. Complex Concepts

• Active recall works wonders for retrieving straightforward information, but it may struggle when it comes to tackling complex concepts or intricate theories. Sometimes, you need additional strategies like visualization or hands-on practice to fully grasp the nuances.

2. Time-Intensive

• Active recall can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with much information. The process of actively retrieving and reviewing material requires dedicated effort and may not be the most efficient choice for all scenarios. It also takes up extra time to make the active recall questions.

3. Subjective Grading

• Assessing the correctness of your active recall responses during your active recall testing can be subjective. It relies on self-evaluation or feedback from others, which may introduce biases or inaccuracies in gauging your understanding.

4. Context Dependency

• Active recall often thrives in familiar contexts. It may be more challenging to transfer knowledge or apply it in unfamiliar scenarios where cues or prompts differ. Real-world application and adaptability may require additional active learning strategies.

Diversify, diversify, diversify! Remember, while active recall is a valuable tool in your academic arsenal, it's essential to combine it with other techniques tailored to your specific learning needs. 

By diversifying your study methods, you'll be able to overcome some of these limitations and maximize your learning potential!

I was using active recall, spaced repetition, flashcards, the Cornell note-taking method, mind mapping etc, you name it, I've tried it.

I've found over my 10 years of experimenting with various study methods, that it's a good idea to use a combination of different study techniques. Do practice testing to see which few work best for me as I was a visual learner.

For the record, it was all of the above I just mentioned. I used a combination of them depending on the subject and study material I needed to cover for efficient learning.

It's just good practice! You cannot just rely on your set of notes alone. That's a sure way to fail your exams mate.

Related Article: Active Recall vs Note Taking: Which is Best for Studying?!

What is spaced repetition? 

Well, to start with spaced repetition is one of my favourite study techniques!

Many studies have been carried out including one by The National Library of Medicine, that describes how spacing out learning has a positive impact on your learning ability.  But what is it? 

This study technique is all about reviewing material at increasing intervals of time to commit it to long-term memory. 

Essentially, you study a topic and then revisit it after a certain time has passed. 

So it helps move information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory, making it easier for you to recall later on.

The idea is that each time you review, the time intervals are gradually extended, giving your brain time to absorb and process the information.

This method not only helps you remember information better, but it also saves you time in the long run.

You'd start by learning a new word or phrase, then you'd review it again a few hours later, and then again a few days later, for instance. So you would  gradually increase the intervals between each review as you get more comfortable with the material.

The Forgetting Curve: How Memories Fade Over Time

Picture this: you've spent hours studying for an important exam, cramming facts and concepts into your brain. You feel confident and ready to ace it. But fast forward a few weeks, and you struggle to recall what you once knew so well. What happened?

Enter the forgetting curve, a concept discovered by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus. The forgetting curve illustrates how our memories fade over time if not properly reinforced.

It reveals that soon after learning new information, we experience a rapid decline in memory retention. Without active retrieval and reinforcement, memories become fainter and more elusive as time goes on.

• Understanding the forgetting curve is crucial for effective learning. It highlights the importance of review and repetition to combat the natural fading of memories. 
• By using a spaced repetition schedule, we can strategically optimize our learning and ensure information sticks in our long-term memory.

So, next time you're studying, remember the power of the forgetting curve. Don't let your hard-earned knowledge slip away.

Embrace active recall, the spaced repetition system, and other effective learning strategies to overcome the curve and boost your memory retention.

Benefits of Spaced Repetition

1. Optimal Review Timing

• Spaced repetition takes advantage of the forgetting curve, which shows that we tend to forget information over time. By reviewing material just before we're about to forget it, spaced repetition strengthens memory recall pathways, reinforcing learning and making it stick in our long-term memory.

2. Efficient Memorization

• Say goodbye to mindlessly flipping through notes for hours on end. With spaced repetition, you focus your review efforts on the most critical information precisely when it needs reinforcement. 
• This targeted approach optimizes your memorization efforts, allowing you to retain information more efficiently.

3. Time Management

• Spaced repetition helps you make the most of your study time. By reviewing material at strategic intervals, you can prioritize what needs attention and avoid wasting time on information you already know well. 
• It's a time-saving technique that ensures you allocate your study efforts where they are most needed.

4. Long-Term Knowledge Maintenance

• One of the standout features of spaced repetition is its ability to promote long-term knowledge retention. 
• By consistently reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals, you reinforce connections in your brain and solidify knowledge for the long haul. It's like building a sturdy foundation that withstands the test of time.

So, gear up with the power of spaced repetition and unleash your study superhero within! Get ready to outsmart the forgetting curve, memorize like a boss, conquer time management, and build an unshakable fortress of knowledge.

With spaced repetition by your side, you'll be unstoppable on your path to student glory!

Limitations of Spaced Repetition

1. Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

• Now, don't get me wrong, Spaced repetition is undeniably an effective learning technique, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. It works best when combined with other strategies like active recall and other learning strategies.

2. Mindless Memorization

• Here's the scoop: if you rely solely on spaced repetition, you might fall into the trap of mindless memorization. Yeah, you'll remember those facts for a while, but without grasping the underlying concepts, it's like building a house of cards on shaky ground. 
• It might hold up temporarily, but it won't withstand the test of real understanding. So, don't forget to spice up your study routine with a dash of active recall and other techniques to get to the heart of the matter.

3. Understanding and Critical Thinking

• Remember, understanding and critical thinking are the real heroes here, and they need a team effort to shine.
• So, mix and match your learning strategies, embrace the power of active recall, and give spaced repetition the backup it needs to conquer your academic challenges. 
• Together, they'll be an unbeatable duo, ensuring you're not just a walking encyclopedia but a true master of the subject.

Embrace the limitations of spaced repetition and harness the power of active recall and critical thinking. Together, they will transform you into a true master of your subject, ready to conquer exams like the boss you are!

Ok, so you might want to understand a little more about what these two types of learning styles are. 

Below is a Youtube video by one of my favourite Youtuber Ali Abdaal. Check out Ali's Youtube channel, he makes fantastic videos about studying and productivity.

Read on to discover more. 

Active Recall Vs Spaced Repetition - what's the difference? 

Though these two memory-improvement techniques have some similarities, they’re also very different in a few key ways. 

The main similarity between Active Recall and Spaced Repetition is their goal. 

Both of them help you to retain information through repeated practice. 

However, the chief difference lies in how each approach goes about achieving this goal. 

Active Recall encourages learners to actively engage with the material by recalling facts from memory rather than passively reading them over again. 

This technique helps commit information to long-term memory by testing short-term recall and pushing learners to think more deeply.

Spaced Repetition, involves spacing out study sessions to give learners a chance to review material multiple times, which means not just looking at it once!

This technique allows information to sink in gradually and helps keep facts fresh in the mind.

Active recall Vs spaced repetition: which one? 

While both of these study methods have their advantages, sometimes it might be better to use one rather than the other. 

It allows for more frequent review sessions, which ultimately results in better long-term retention. 

However, for short-term recall or understanding concepts, active recall is a more efficient method. 

Ultimately, it's about finding what works best for you and your learning style, so don't be afraid to experiment with different study techniques.

So in the active recall Vs spaces repetition debate which one will help you level up your study best?

So is there one of these study methods that takes the winner's medal?

Let’s find out. 

Which is best? Active recall or spaced repetition 

So, which one is better? Well, it depends on the individual and the type of material being learned.

In a nutshell, active recall works brilliantly for short-term memory retention, while spaced repetition is better for long-term fact and memory building. 

Some students also might find active recall more engaging and effective, while others may find the structure of spaced repetition more helpful.

Ultimately, it's all about finding the right balance for you. 

Try both and see what works best for your learning style!

Either way, incorporating these methods into your study routine can help you ace that next exam!

Alternative Study Methods That Work!

When it comes to learning, the world of studying techniques is vast and diverse. While spaced repetition is a popular and effective method, it's worth exploring alternative approaches that offer a different perspective other than making paper flashcards (or even digital flashcards).

Let's dive into some study methods that break away from the repetitive cycle and provide fresh ways to enhance your learning experience.

1. Mind Mapping

• Visualize your thoughts and boost creativity with mind mapping. Create diagrams that connect ideas and concepts, helping you see the big picture and make meaningful associations.
• It promotes active engagement and holistic thinking, ideal for subjects requiring deeper understanding.

2. The Feynman Technique

• Break down complex concepts into simple explanations. By explaining in easy terms, you reinforce understanding and identify knowledge gaps.
• This technique encourages active recall, critical thinking, and effective communication.

3. Problem-Based Learning

• Tackle real-world problems to apply your knowledge. This student-focused approach fosters active engagement, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge.
• Develop problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Ditch the repetitive cycle and explore these fresh study methods. Unleash your creativity, simplify complex concepts, and solve real-world challenges. Enhance your learning experience and unlock your true potential.

If you're interested in using a flashcard app or making your own flashcards to study with, then check out my article on Active Recall vs Flashcards: How to Study Better for Eams?!

If after reading all this, you still can decide which of these two effective study techniques to choose. Then do what I did and USE BOTH, it's the best way really, and then you will get the best of what each learning technique has to offer.

Active Recall Vs Spaced Repetition - The Wrap 

In short, there is no correct answer, no one-size-fits-all approach to studying and memorizing—the most important thing is to find what works best for you. Maybe your secret study weapon is active recall, or maybe it’s spaced repetition.

With practice and experimentation, you can determine the best strategies for yourself to ace that exam or learn a new language. 

Don’t be afraid to change up your game plan if something isn’t working; tweak it until you succeed in the study habits that work for you. 

With enough determination and grit, the toughest of concepts will become second nature for you! 

Don’t forget to head over to my weekly blog for more study hacks and tips that best suit various learning styles so you can make the most out of your studies!

This post was all about Active Recall vs Spaced Repetition.

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✅ Active Recall vs Flashcards: How to Study Better for Eams?!

✅ Active Recall vs Note Taking: Which is Best for Studying?!

✅ Active Recall vs Rereading: Which Study Technique is Better?