What research says
Spacing beats cramming
Spreading study over time improves long-term recall. Cepeda et al. (2006) found this in a review of hundreds of experiments.
doi:10.1037/0033-2909.132.3.354Also for flashcards
Kornell (2009) found that learners performed better with one large, spaced deck than with small sets studied by cramming.
doi:10.1002/acp.1537Top-rated technique
A major review rated practice testing and distributed practice as the two most useful learning techniques (Dunlosky et al., 2013).
doi:10.1177/1529100612453266How we apply it
Each card covers one fact. For instance, you could practise recalling a detail from an off-plan payment plan. The cards are colour-coded by topic: developer, project, numbers, regulation or objections. You choose from three simple ratings. Missed cards reappear in the same session, while due cards come back after a few days or weeks.
FAQ
How many cards per day?
Start with 10 to 20 cards, which takes about 5 minutes. Short, regular sessions work better than saving all your practice for one long sitting.
Why do missed cards come back?
It is easy to stop reviewing a card too soon. Repeating cards until you can recall them correctly helps you retain the information (Kornell and Bjork, 2008).
Related research
References
Cepeda et al. (2006): Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks
Psychological Bulletin
doi:10.1037/0033-2909.132.3.354Kornell (2009): Spacing is more effective than cramming
Applied Cognitive Psychology
doi:10.1002/acp.1537Dunlosky et al. (2013): Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques
Psychological Science in the Public Interest
doi:10.1177/1529100612453266Kornell & Bjork (2008): The benefits and costs of dropping flashcards
Memory
doi:10.1080/09658210701763899