Can Repetition Help us Learn and Grow?

Can Repetition Help us Learn and Grow?

Repetition is an important skill that can turn novices into experts! At its core, repetition leverages how our brains work. Neurologically, it reinforces neural connections through a process called neuroplasticity—essentially rewiring your brain to make information more accessible over time. This is why skills like riding a bike or speaking a new language stick: repeated exposure creates "muscle memory" in both body and mind.

From an educational standpoint, repetition combats the "forgetting curve," a concept introduced by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, which shows how quickly we forget new information without review. By revisiting material at spaced intervals (like reviewing notes today, tomorrow, and then in a week), you dramatically improve long-term retention.

It is a core reason why Artificial Intelligence (AI) is soaring though there is a beneficial upside as AI is transforming our access to knowledge and increasing our growth timelines and ability to transfer our understanding into actionable expertise however, we still need to reinforce and revisit our newfound knowledge.

• Builds Mastery and Confidence: Each repetition refines our skills, turning "I think I get it" into "I know this inside out." For instance, athletes repeat drills to perform under pressure, and students revisit math problems to solve them faster and more creatively. This iterative process cultivates optimism by showing tangible progress—small wins accumulate into big achievements, boosting self-belief and motivating further effort.

• Enhances Understanding and Adaptability: Repetition allows us to peel back layers of complexity. The first time we encounter a concept, it might feel overwhelming, but repeated engagement reveals nuances, connections, and applications we may have missed initially. This deeper comprehension fosters empathy and broader perspectives; for example, repeatedly studying history helps you understand societal patterns, making us more insightful in real-world discussions. In growth terms, it equips you us adapt—whether pivoting in a career or navigating personal challenges—with a resilient mindset.

• Promotes Resilience and Patience: Growth often involves plateaus or setbacks, but repetition teaches perseverance. Optimistically framed, it's like planting seeds: you water them daily, trusting they'll bloom. This builds emotional intelligence, helping us view failures as temporary and part of our journey. Over time, it leads to holistic growth, improving focus, discipline, and even relationships through better communication skills honed by practice.

• Sparks Innovation and Creativity: Counterintuitively, repetition frees up mental space for creativity. Once basics are automatic, we can experiment and innovate—like a chef who masters recipes through repetition before creating originals. This optimistic cycle turns learning into a joyful, expansive adventure rather than a chore.

In essence, repetition is a superpower for growth because it turns potential into reality. It's understanding that true progress comes from consistent, positive action. To harness it, try breaking tasks into small daily habits, or reflecting after each session on what you've improved. Embrace it with optimism: every repeat is a step toward becoming a wiser, more capable version of yourself.

• Cepeda et al. (2006) – The definitive meta-analysis showing that spacing repetitions over days/weeks beats massed practice (cramming) by up to 200% in long-term retention. → Cepeda, N. J., et al. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354–380. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.132.3.354

• Roediger & Karpicke (2006) – The classic “testing effect” paper: retrieving information through repeated testing beats re-reading the same material 3× over. → Roediger, H. L., & Karpicke, J. D. (2006). Test-enhanced learning: Taking memory tests improves long-term retention. Psychological Science, 17(3), 249–255. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01693.x

• Kang (2016) – Comprehensive review of 10 learning techniques ranked by effect size; spaced repetition and practice testing are #1 and #2. → Kang, S. H. K. (2016). Spaced repetition promotes efficient and effective learning. Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 3(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215624708

• Ebbinghaus (1885/1913) – The original “forgetting curve” – without spaced repetition, we forget ~70% of new material in 24 hours. → Ebbinghaus, H. (1913). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology (English translation). New York: Teachers College. Full text: https://psy.ed.asu.edu/~classics/Ebbinghaus/index.htm