What is spaced repetition?

Spaced repetition is a learning technique. that uses increasing intervals to help train the brain into remembering information long term.

Why is spaced repetition better than more frequent, random reviewing?

Research has shown that frequent review of information does lead to good short term retention. The exam cramming example is used often. Before and exam people cram continuously, and often do well in their exams. However, they find that a time after their exam they have forgotten the information.

How does Wurdle implement spaced repetition?

Wurdle automatically generates the intervals for your flashcards. The reverse form of the flashcard is calculated separately (ie. each flashcard is treated as two separate units of information).

What's an interval?

An interval is a number of days between when you review a word and when it is next shown to you.

How are intervals calculated?

Simply, a new interval is based on your previous interval and the score you selected in your last review. A higher score increases the interval while a lower score reduces the interval.

Why is spaced repetition useful for learning languages?

Learning a language has many aspects such as reading, writing, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. Spaced repetition has been shown to be most effective where the information being learned can be separated into small, discrete elements. While this is not helpful for many aspects of language (such as grammar - containing much interrelated information), vocabulary is by it's nature small and discrete (ie. individual words and phrases).

If spaced repeition is so good, why is there a random mode?

On any given day, the spaced repetition engine will indicate how many words you should review. At times you may wish to continue reviewing material after you have completed your daily schedule. This can be done through the random mode.

Many students also use the random mode just prior to a test. While the random mode does not contribute greatly to long term retention, it can give you an extra little boost on your vocabulary tests.