spacingseffekt

Spacingseffekt is a phenomenon in psychology that describes the beneficial effect of distributing learning or training sessions over time. This means that instead of cramming information into one long study session, it is more effective to spread out shorter sessions with intervals in between. This technique is also known as spaced repetition.

The underlying principle of spacingseffekt is that the brain needs time to consolidate memories. When information is reviewed repeatedly over increasing intervals, it strengthens the neural pathways associated with that information, making it more resistant to forgetting. This contrasts with massed practice, where all learning occurs in a single, concentrated period, which often leads to rapid forgetting once the session ends.

Research has consistently shown that spaced learning leads to better long-term retention and deeper understanding of material. This effect is observed across various domains, including language learning, memorization of facts, and skill acquisition. Many modern educational and study tools incorporate spaced repetition algorithms to help users optimize their learning. The optimal spacing interval can vary depending on the difficulty of the material and the individual learner, but generally, longer intervals between reviews lead to more robust memory.