Level Up Your Language Learning with Spaced Repetition (SRS)

Level Up Your Language Learning with Spaced Repetition (SRS) Remember that time you crammed information for an exam?(Dont worry, weve all been there.)You, like many others, may have spent an all-nighter memorizing every page of your notes and trying desperately to make up for countless days you decided to hold off on studying.While you may have performed well on the exam, think about how much you recalled a few weeks after the test date.How much of that information did you remember?If youre like most humans, the answer is probably not very much. Wait, So Cramming a New Language Wont Work?You can try, but unfortunately you wont get very far if you try to learn  the Spanish subjunctive tense  in one night. Now, you may wonder, if I was able to recall information so well at the time of an exam, why has it dropped from my memory soon after?Well, theres science behind this! Research proves that cramming intense amounts of information into our brain in a short period of time is not an effective way for long-term learning.British author H.E. Gorst mentioned in his book The Course of Education that cramming is what produce[s] mediocrity. Yikes. What he means is that cramming doesnt provide us with the ability to think critically and effectively apply our knowledge in creative ways.Yet cramming is still becoming more and more popular among students of all ages.If Its So Ineffective, Why Do We Cram?Fingers point to improper time management as the number one cause. If we better prioritize our time, we can more efficiently learn new information. By cramming, we may absorb information that can be easily regurgitated the following day. But say goodbye to that information because its going to disappear at an exponential rate as time goes on.Cramming trades a strong memory now for a weak memory later. Unfortunately, we sometimes cling to short-term gratifications and fail to strive for long-term benefits. Before you banish all hope for your memory, theres an alternative method to learning that may give your brain the love it needs.In psychology, there is a theory of memorization and learning called the spacing effect. The spacing effect is the idea that we remember and learn items more effectively when they are studied a few times over a long span of time.Is Frequent Repetition the Solution? Not Quite.Since cramming is out the window, you may think its smarter to study material over and over again. Its crucial to note that, while repetition is important, not all repetition is created equally. Youll want to space out the repetitions between each time you study a set of information.But determining how long to wait in between studying can also be a tricky matter. If you practice too soon, your brain will begin passively remembering information, which will not stick over time. If you practice too late, you will have forgotten the material and have to spend extra time relearning it. Add to this the complexity of individual learning and memorization patterns, and you have a recipe for guaranteed memory loss.Thankfully , there are softwares available today to help us pin-point the sweet spot of optimal learning. Just when our forgetfulness dips below a certain level, these programs jump in and keep our brains on track. How cool is that?Spaced Repetition Software to the RescueSpaced repetition software (SRS) are computer programs modeled after a process similar to using flashcards. Users enter items to be memorized into the program, which are then converted into electronic decks that appear on-screen in a one-by-one sequential pattern.Usually, the user clicks one time to reveal the question or front of the generated card. A second click will reveal the answer or back of the flashcard. Upon seeing the answer, the user then indicates the difficulty of the card by telling the program how challenging it was.Each following cards order of appearance is not randomized. In fact, SRS programs use algorithms to space out the time intervals indicated when each card will appear again on the screen. Cards given easy ratings will appear later than cards given hard ratings, thus allowing users to spend more time studying the cards that are more difficult. The tough ones will show up more often until they are mastered, giving you the chance to actively learn them more efficiently than other learning styles.Using Spaced Repetition for Language LearningTo put this into context, lets pretend you spend an evening studying 100 Mandarin words you didnt know before. You continue studying until youve completely memorized the words. Lets say it takes you an hour to do this.Immediately after reviewing these words, your memory of them will be quite high. However, over time you will naturally begin forgetting the material you learned. And, since it was your first time learning these words, your use-it-or-lose-it brain is more likely to ditch this new material at a faster pace. The new knowledge isnt yet considered important enough to be etched into your brain cells.However, the second time you study the same words, it will take you less time to master the set than it did the first time. Perhaps this time it only takes you 30 minutes to memorize the 100 words. Congratulations! Youve completed your first spaced repetition.So, does this mean youll have to keep repeating the information you want to learn for the rest of your life? Not exactly. While it does require long-term review to keep information fresh on our minds, the time spent on review becomes shorter and less frequent over time.With each successive review, it will take you less and less time to fully recall the information. As you begin mastering a set of words, youll find yourself whizzing through each card. Eventually, information will become so memorable that we know it by heart. This is when you know youre ready to move onto a new, more challenging deck.Get Your SRS Game On!Thankfully, millions of people around the world enjoy using a variety of free applications available today that use spaced repetition learning.AnkiA nki is one of the most popular spaced repetition softwares. Named after the Japanese word for memorization, Anki allows users to create their own decks of cards or download pre-made decks by other users.One popular feature of Anki is the ability to sync decks across multiple devices, allowing users to study online or on their cell phones. Anki also stores your statistics for each deck so that you can track your progress over time.FluentUFluentU is a bit different from the other services mentioned here. FluentU takes real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks, and turns them into language learning experiences. What makes it relevant here is that it has a very robust SRS systemâ€"based on a variation of the SM2 SuperMemo algorithm (like Anki).  What makes it different is that you are able to easily import words, and then you can automatically see images, definitions and example sentences that have been written for each of those words.And thats not al l. You can even see how the word is used in different videos throughout the site. This is all packaged in a smooth feature that tracks your history and provides new and different video clip prompts based on your previous history on FluentU. Its a smooth marriage of spaced repetition and learning through context and personalization. If youre tired of filling up your flashcards and searching for good examples, then FluentU might be what youre looking for.FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.SuperMemoSuperMemo is another learning software that uses spaced repetition learning methods. Electronic flashcards can be self-made, downloaded from a pre-made collection, or in some cases merged together. After users are presented with a card, they must respond and then give themselves a grade that reflects their recall ability. SuperMemo uses this feedback to calculate the interval length for the card to be repeated.Self-discipline Ultimately Trumps AllRemember, while these programs may have wonderful language learning techniqu es, they wont be effective unless you have the self-discipline to use them on an ongoing basis.Make it a habit to open up and use the softwares mentioned above. If you set aside some time every day to do your SRS studying, youll see noticeable results sooner than you might imagine.Frank Macri works with those looking to create off the beaten path lifestyles. For tips on saving (and making) money abroad, unique options to travel for a living,  and wisdom picked up around the world, visit  www.TheFrankLife.com.