Glossary

What is Spaced Repetition?

Definition

Spaced repetition is a learning technique where information is reviewed at gradually increasing intervals — for example, after 1 day, then 3 days, then 7 days, then 14 days. This approach exploits the 'spacing effect,' a cognitive phenomenon where our brains retain information more effectively when learning is spread over time rather than concentrated in a single session.

Why it matters

Research by Cepeda et al. (2006) found that spaced repetition produces 200% better long-term retention than massed practice (cramming). This has profound implications for workplace training: a single annual workshop produces almost no lasting behavior change, while daily micro-sessions spread over months build durable skills and habits. Spaced repetition is the antidote to the forgetting curve.

How to apply it

Replace weekly or monthly training blocks with daily micro-sessions of 2-5 minutes. Revisit key concepts at increasing intervals rather than covering everything once. Daily micro-sessions beat weekly cramming every time. The best implementation is automated — let a system handle the spacing so learners just show up consistently.

How Uply helps

Uply's daily questions are spaced repetition in action. Skills and concepts resurface at optimized intervals, ensuring your team builds lasting capabilities rather than temporary knowledge.