Fibonacci Spaced Repetition
Spaced Repetition1 as technique for memorization is all the rage. However, in attempting to research this technique, I quickly ran into the problem that the solutions are rather technical requiring either a software solution to manage the repetion (e.g. Anki) or deep theoretical understandings of the concepts in order to begin.
So I'm trying to throw out a quick, back-of-the-hand solution to Spaced Repetition using simple Fibonacci numbers.
The Test Case
In order for Space Repetition to work, we need:
- The set of facts that we wish to memorize. These should be atomic, and a small enough set that we can go through them in only a few minutes.
- Some test case to prove that we have these facts memorized, e.g. flash cards, a question/answer session, or successfully performing some exercise.
- An exercise to enhance our memorization of the material, e.g. recitation of a mnemonic, writing or drawing some diagram, reciting a story, picturing a particular space etc. this may be seperate from or a part of the test.
The Fibonacci Sequence
After establishing the Test Case, we perform the Test after a fixed number of minutes, hours or days based on the Fibonacci numbers.
We will increment the Fibonacci function in even intervals starting at F(6) minutes, e.g. F(6), F(8), F(10)...F(30).
If we pass the test case, then we move to the next interval, e.g. F(n+2).
If we fail, restart the sequence at F(6).
| F(n) | Interval |
|---|---|
| F(6) | 5 minutes |
| F(8) | 21 minutes |
| F(10) | 1 hour |
| F(12) | 2 hours |
| F(14) | 6 hours |
| F(16) | 16 hours |
| F(18) | 2 Days |
| F(20) | 4 Days |
| F(22) | 7 Days |
| F(24) | 12 Days |
| F(26) | 20 Days |
| F(28) | 32 Days |
| F(30) | 52 Days |
After F(30), review the material on a quarterly basis.
External References
- Spaced Repetition <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaced_repetition>. Wikipedia. Retrieved 2020-10-12.