How Spaced Repetition Can Help You Retain Key Social Work Concepts
Spaced repetition is a proven learning technique that improves retention and enhances long-term memory. By reviewing material at increasing intervals, this method strengthens your ability to recall key concepts over time. When preparing for the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) exam, spaced repetition can be a game-changer. It helps you retain critical social work knowledge, ensuring you’re not only memorizing facts but embedding them into your long-term memory for exam day and beyond.
How Spaced Repetition Works
Spaced repetition relies on the concept of reviewing material multiple times at strategically spaced intervals. Initially, you review a new concept shortly after learning it, then gradually increase the time between reviews. This process strengthens memory recall by leveraging the brain’s natural forgetting curve. Studies show that we tend to forget information soon after we learn it, but revisiting material at intervals helps to combat this decline in retention (Cepeda et al., 2006). Over time, the more frequently a concept is reviewed, the easier it becomes to recall it, enhancing your long-term memory storage (1).
Applying Spaced Repetition to ASWB Exam Prep
1. Using Apps like Anki or Quizlet for Flashcard-Based Learning
Apps like Anki and Quizlet have revolutionized the way students incorporate spaced repetition into their study plans. These flashcard-based learning tools can be customized to suit ASWB exam preparation. You can create decks of social work concepts and questions, organizing them by subject area such as ethics, assessment, intervention, and professional practice. The apps then schedule reviews of each flashcard at optimal intervals based on your familiarity with the material. This allows you to focus on concepts you struggle with and retain the material effectively (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008) (2).
2. Scheduling Study Sessions Strategically
When implementing spaced repetition, it’s essential to schedule your study sessions strategically. Instead of cramming all at once, break your study sessions into manageable chunks. For example, review the concepts you’ve already studied for a few minutes every day, followed by a more in-depth review of new material. Gradually, the spaced intervals between study sessions will increase, ensuring the information is solidified in your long-term memory. Creating a study calendar with a built-in spaced repetition schedule will help you stay on track with this method.
3. Combining with Active Recall Techniques
Spaced repetition is even more effective when combined with active recall techniques. Active recall involves actively engaging with the material by attempting to retrieve information from memory, rather than passively reading or reviewing notes. By testing yourself frequently on key concepts using flashcards or practice questions, you can significantly improve retention (Roediger & Butler, 2011). Spaced repetition helps you revisit these concepts at the optimal time for strengthening memory recall (3).
Best Practices for Implementing Spaced Repetition
1. Avoiding Cramming and Relying on Long-Term Retention
One of the most significant advantages of spaced repetition is that it reduces the need for cramming. Instead of trying to absorb large amounts of information all at once, spaced repetition encourages consistent and strategic review over time. This helps you avoid the stress and fatigue associated with last-minute studying and ensures you retain the material for the long term. Cramming often results in superficial memorization, but spaced repetition strengthens deep, durable learning (Dempster, 1988) (4).
2. Customizing Repetition Intervals Based on Content Difficulty
Not all social work concepts are equal in terms of difficulty or complexity. Some topics may come easily, while others require more effort to understand and remember. One of the key benefits of spaced repetition is the ability to customize repetition intervals based on the content’s difficulty. For instance, you may need to review a challenging concept more frequently than one that you find easy to recall. By tailoring your study sessions, you optimize the efficiency of your review process (Tharp & Gallimore, 1988) (5).
Spaced repetition is an incredibly effective strategy for retaining key social work concepts in preparation for the ASWB exam. By reviewing material at increasing intervals, you strengthen your ability to recall information and deepen your understanding. Integrating spaced repetition into your study plan allows for long-term retention, reduces cramming, and enhances overall performance on the exam.
If you haven't already, try integrating spaced repetition into your study routine for the ASWB exam. Ready to improve your ASWB exam prep with spaced repetition? Our ASWB test prep course offers structured study plans and effective learning strategies, including spaced repetition techniques. Sign up today and start mastering key social work concepts for long-term success on your exam!
