SuperMemo
Encyclopedia
SuperMemo is a learning
method and software package developed by SuperMemo World and SuperMemo R&D with Piotr Wozniak
in Poland
from 1985 to the present. It is based on research into long-term memory
, and is a practical application of the spaced repetition
learning method that has been proposed for efficient instruction by a number of psychologists as early as in the 1930s. The authors of the learning method and lead programmers of the software are Dr Edward Jacek Gorzelańczyk and Dr Piotr Wozniak.
Proponents of the method claim that it makes possible faster learning and indefinite retention of memories, with repetition.
The method is available as a computer program for Windows
, Windows CE
, Windows Mobile
(Pocket PC
), Palm OS
(PalmPilot
), etc. It can also be used in a web browser
or even without a computer.
The desktop version of SuperMemo (since v. 2002) supports incremental reading
.
in its most rudimentary and basic form is a database of question and answer (Q&A) fields (or more practically, digital
and electronic
flashcard
s). The database is either a pre-made collection, self-made, or in some cases both through Merging.
The software then traverses with the user through each element that is scheduled for repetition (a new set of "reps" is computed for each day
on the calendar
). The program gathers information about the user's memory through their responses and grades to their active recalls (conscious response to their questions -- giving a conscious answer as opposed to passive review).
In three steps, the user reviews the card as follows:
SuperMemo then calculates the needed intervals for proposed repetitions of one item or flashcard
.
and Mnemosyne
among others.
Different algorithms have been used; SM-0 refers to the original (non-computer-based) algorithm, while SM-2 refers to the original computer-based algorithm (used in SuperMemo versions 1.0 through 3.0, referred to as SM-2 because SuperMemo version 2 was the most popular of these). Subsequent versions of the software have further optimized the algorithm.
The SM-2 algorithm has proven most popular in other applications, and is used (in modified form) in Anki and Mnemosyne, among others. The SM-2 algorithm uses the performance on a card to schedule only that card, while SM-3 and higher algorithms use card performance to schedule that card and similar cards. The additional optimizations sometimes yield perverse results – answering "hard" on a card may yield an interval longer than answering "easy" on a card – and are criticized as reducing the robustness of the algorithm, making it more sensitive to variations – non-uniform difficulty of cards, inconsistencies in studying, and so forth.
Articles
Learning
Learning is acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences and may involve synthesizing different types of information. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals and some machines. Progress over time tends to follow learning curves.Human learning...
method and software package developed by SuperMemo World and SuperMemo R&D with Piotr Wozniak
Piotr Wozniak (researcher)
Piotr A. Woźniak is the principal author of SuperMemo and a researcher in the theory of spaced repetition.-Partial bibliography:Academic articles he has authored include:...
in Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
from 1985 to the present. It is based on research into long-term memory
Long-term memory
Long-term memory is memory in which associations among items are stored, as part of the theory of a dual-store memory model. According to the theory, long term memory differs structurally and functionally from working memory or short-term memory, which ostensibly stores items for only around 20–30...
, and is a practical application of the spaced repetition
Spaced repetition
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that incorporates increasing intervals of time between subsequent review of previously learned material; this exploits the psychological spacing effect...
learning method that has been proposed for efficient instruction by a number of psychologists as early as in the 1930s. The authors of the learning method and lead programmers of the software are Dr Edward Jacek Gorzelańczyk and Dr Piotr Wozniak.
Proponents of the method claim that it makes possible faster learning and indefinite retention of memories, with repetition.
The method is available as a computer program for Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
, Windows CE
Windows CE
Microsoft Windows CE is an operating system developed by Microsoft for embedded systems. Windows CE is a distinct operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows...
, Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft that was used in smartphones and Pocket PCs, but by 2011 was rarely supplied on new phones. The last version is "Windows Mobile 6.5.5"; it is superseded by Windows Phone, which does not run Windows Mobile software.Windows Mobile is...
(Pocket PC
Pocket PC
A Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
), Palm OS
Palm OS
Palm OS is a mobile operating system initially developed by Palm, Inc., for personal digital assistants in 1996. Palm OS is designed for ease of use with a touchscreen-based graphical user interface. It is provided with a suite of basic applications for personal information management...
(PalmPilot
PalmPilot
The PalmPilot Personal and PalmPilot Professional are the second generation of Palm PDA devices produced by Palm Inc...
), etc. It can also be used in a web browser
Web browser
A web browser is a software application for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. An information resource is identified by a Uniform Resource Identifier and may be a web page, image, video, or other piece of content...
or even without a computer.
The desktop version of SuperMemo (since v. 2002) supports incremental reading
Incremental reading
Incremental reading is a method for learning and retaining information from reading that might otherwise be forgotten. It is particularly targeted to people who are trying to learn a large amount of information at once, particularly if that information is varied.Incremental reading works by...
.
Software implementation
The software implementation of the SuperMemo algorithmAlgorithm
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite list of well-defined instructions for calculating a function. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning...
in its most rudimentary and basic form is a database of question and answer (Q&A) fields (or more practically, digital
Digital
A digital system is a data technology that uses discrete values. By contrast, non-digital systems use a continuous range of values to represent information...
and electronic
Electronics
Electronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
flashcard
Flashcard
A flashcard or flash card is a set of cards bearing information, as words or numbers, on either or both sides, used in classroom drills or in private study. One writes a question on a card and an answer overleaf. Flashcards can bear vocabulary, historical dates, formulas or any subject matter that...
s). The database is either a pre-made collection, self-made, or in some cases both through Merging.
The software then traverses with the user through each element that is scheduled for repetition (a new set of "reps" is computed for each day
Day
A day is a unit of time, commonly defined as an interval equal to 24 hours. It also can mean that portion of the full day during which a location is illuminated by the light of the sun...
on the calendar
Calendar
A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial, or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years. The name given to each day is known as a date. Periods in a calendar are usually, though not...
). The program gathers information about the user's memory through their responses and grades to their active recalls (conscious response to their questions -- giving a conscious answer as opposed to passive review).
In three steps, the user reviews the card as follows:
- The user is given a question by SuperMemo
- The user responds with an answer from his own mind (active recallActive recallActive recall is a principle of efficient learning, which claims the need to actively stimulate memory during the learning process. It contrasts with passive review, in which the learning material is processed passively . For example, reading a text about George Washington, with no further action,...
) - The user gives himself a grade of what best reflects his recall. (A-E grade, or 5-0 grade, depending on what version and/or platform).
SuperMemo then calculates the needed intervals for proposed repetitions of one item or flashcard
Flashcard
A flashcard or flash card is a set of cards bearing information, as words or numbers, on either or both sides, used in classroom drills or in private study. One writes a question on a card and an answer overleaf. Flashcards can bear vocabulary, historical dates, formulas or any subject matter that...
.
Algorithms
The specific algorithm SuperMemo uses has been published, and re-implemented in other, non-commercial programs such as AnkiAnki
Anki is a spaced repetition flashcard program. The software is similar to SuperMemo, a commercial product for the same purpose, and Mnemosyne, another free flashcard program. Anki is the Japanese word for "memorizing"....
and Mnemosyne
Mnemosyne (software)
Mnemosyne is spaced repetition software developed from 2003 until the present. The software is similar to SuperMemo, commercial software developed by Piotr Wozniak....
among others.
Different algorithms have been used; SM-0 refers to the original (non-computer-based) algorithm, while SM-2 refers to the original computer-based algorithm (used in SuperMemo versions 1.0 through 3.0, referred to as SM-2 because SuperMemo version 2 was the most popular of these). Subsequent versions of the software have further optimized the algorithm.
The SM-2 algorithm has proven most popular in other applications, and is used (in modified form) in Anki and Mnemosyne, among others. The SM-2 algorithm uses the performance on a card to schedule only that card, while SM-3 and higher algorithms use card performance to schedule that card and similar cards. The additional optimizations sometimes yield perverse results – answering "hard" on a card may yield an interval longer than answering "easy" on a card – and are criticized as reducing the robustness of the algorithm, making it more sensitive to variations – non-uniform difficulty of cards, inconsistencies in studying, and so forth.
External links
SuperMemo- SuperMemo 98 Freeware: http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_16_168_13849.html
Articles
- Learn English with SuperMemo - how SuperMemo can help you learn English
- Introduction to SuperMemo - an introduction to SuperMemo
- Supermemo Theory
- Using SuperMemo to Study Japanese
- Want to Remember Everything You'll Ever Learn? Surrender to This Algorithm - Wired Magazine article on Supermemo