The Science of Spaced Repetition: How to Retain 3,000 Words Without Forgetting
Explore the cognitive science of the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve and learn how algorithmically timed reviews help you lock vocabulary into long-term memory.
The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
In 1885, psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered that human memory decays exponentially after learning new information. Without review, learners forget over 50% of newly learned words within 24 hours, and up to 80% within a week.
How Spaced Repetition Flattens the Curve
Spaced Repetition Systems (SRS) interrupt the forgetting curve by reviewing words at key moments right when memory begins to fade. Each successful retrieval review strengthens the neural connection and lengthens the interval before the next review is needed.
- Initial exposure: Day 0
- First review: Day 1 (24 hours later)
- Second review: Day 3
- Third review: Day 7
- Fourth review: Day 21 (Permanent long-term memory)
How SortMySentence Integrates Spaced Repetition
Our platform automatically tracks items you master versus items you struggle with. Incorrect placements trigger shorter review cycles, ensuring your study time is spent 100% efficiently on your personal weak spots.
Practice What You Learnt
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