Spaced Repetition Schedules: Leitner, SM-2 and Anki Explained

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Evidence: Moderate Support
Spaced Repetition Schedules: Leitner, SM-2 and Anki Explained - Spaced repetition systems in practice
Credit: Mohamed Allam

What is a spaced repetition schedule?

Spaced repetition tools apply the spacing and retrieval effects; the specific algorithms (Leitner, SM-2) are practical heuristics, and evidence favouring one over another is limited.

How does the Leitner box system work?

To apply this effectively:

  1. Establish clear baseline objectives.
  2. Engage in deliberate, focused practice.
  3. Track diagnostic feedback and calibrate performance.

How does SM-2, the scheduler behind Anki, work?

To apply this effectively:

  1. Establish clear baseline objectives.
  2. Engage in deliberate, focused practice.
  3. Track diagnostic feedback and calibrate performance.

Do expanding intervals beat equal intervals?

Empirical investigations demonstrate that spaced repetition tools apply the spacing and retrieval effects; the specific algorithms (leitner, sm-2) are practical heuristics, and evidence favouring one over another is limited.

How do you set up and keep a schedule?

To apply this effectively:

  1. Establish clear baseline objectives.
  2. Engage in deliberate, focused practice.
  3. Track diagnostic feedback and calibrate performance.

What are newer schedulers such as FSRS?

Spaced repetition tools apply the spacing and retrieval effects; the specific algorithms (Leitner, SM-2) are practical heuristics, and evidence favouring one over another is limited.

What if you miss days?

To apply this effectively:

  1. Establish clear baseline objectives.
  2. Engage in deliberate, focused practice.
  3. Track diagnostic feedback and calibrate performance.