What the Research Says

Spaced repetition spaces out your revision sessions over increasing intervals. Instead of cramming all your PIES knowledge in one evening, you revisit it after 1 day, then 3 days, then a week. Each revisit strengthens the memory. Research by Cepeda et al. (2006) found that spacing revision over time improved long-term retention by up to 50% compared to massed practice.

Step-by-Step Method

1. 1
   Create a revision calendar — Map out all your topics and schedule when you will revisit each one.
2. 2
   Start with short gaps — Revisit a topic after 1 day, then extend to 3 days, then a week.
3. 3
   Use flashcards — Write key terms, definitions, and care values on flashcards. Sort into 'know' and 'don't know' piles.
4. 4
   Focus on 'don't know' — Spend more time on topics you struggled with. Reduce time on topics you already know well.
5. 5
   Build in variety — Alternate between subjects and topics within each session.

When and How Often

Sessions get shorter as knowledge becomes more secure. A full revision cycle takes 3–4 weeks per topic.

Common Mistakes

• ❌
  Cramming the night before — Cramming creates short-term memory only. Spaced repetition builds long-term retention.
• ❌
  Equal time on everything — Spend more time on weak topics. Topics you know well need less frequent revisiting.
• ❌
  Skipping the gaps — The gaps between sessions are when your brain consolidates. Do not fill every gap with more revision.