# Leitner system A popular [[Spaced repetition]] method using flashcards. This method was created by German science journalist [[Sebastien Leitner]] in 1972. He described it in his book "So lernt man lernen" (How to learn to learn). ## How it works The idea is to create flashcards and to review those at increasing intervals. The flashcards are sorted into groups (boxes) based on how well the learner knows each one. When they study, learners take flashcards one by one, try to recall the solution/answer. If they succeed, they send the card to the next group. If they fail, they send it back to the previous group. Each succeeding group has a longer period before the learner is required to revisit the cards. The cards in the first group/box are those the learner has just learned, or has the most trouble with, while the ones in the last group/box are those they know best. The advantage of this method is that the learner can focus on the most difficult flashcards, which remain in the first few groups. The result is, ideally, a reduction in the amount of study time needed. ## Intervals The intervals can be adjusted as required. For instance, with 3 boxes, cards could be reviewed: - Once a day for the first box - Every 3 days for the second - Every 5 days for the last one ## References - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leitner_system - https://www.pocketprep.com/posts/how-to-use-the-leitner-system-for-studying ## Related - [[Spaced repetition]]