SuperMemo

Infobox Software
name = SuperMemo

caption = A future version of the desktop version of SuperMemo.
developer = [http://www.supermemo.com/ SuperMemo World]
latest_release_version = version 2006 (v. 13.15)
latest_release_date = May 3rd, 2008
operating_system = Windows, Palm OS, PocketPC, Web, and more
genre = Accelerated Learning & Memory Software
license = Proprietary
website = [http://www.supermemo.com/ SuperMemo.com]

SuperMemo (from "Super Memory") is a learning method and software package developed by SuperMemo World in Poland from 1985 to the present. It is a practical application of the proposed spaced repetition learning technique 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 programmer of the software, are dr Edward Jacek Gorzelańczyk and 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, Palm Pilot, etc. It can also be used in a web browser or even without a computer. SuperMemo is based on research into long-term memory.

The desktop version of SuperMemo (since v. 2002) supports incremental reading.

More recent similar software programs such as Mnemosyne, Crammage and FullRecall also use the SuperMemo2 algorithm.

oftware implementation

The software implementation of the SuperMemo algorithm in its most rudimentary and basic form is simply this: A database of Question & Answer (Q&A) fields (or more practically, "digital and electronic flashcards"). 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 simple steps, the "reviewing" (or "repetition") process goes like this (from the user's perspective):

# The user is given a question by SuperMemo
# The user responds with an answer from his own mind ("active recall")
# 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 necessary intervals for proposed repetitions of a single item or flash-cards.

ee also

* Spacing effect
* Spaced repetition
* Flashcard
* Memory
* Forgetting curve
*

External links

; SuperMemo
* SuperMemo 98 Freeware: http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_16_168_13849.html
* [http://www.supermemo.com Supermemo] (Commercial) Memory improvement, sleep and learning
* [http://beta.supermemo.net.pl Supermemo.net] (Commercial) Open e-learning service, free for private and shared courses
* [http://www.supermemo.eu/index2.php?top=3&did=3&ppid=21 Supermemo Mobile] Free SuperMemo for Windows Mobile
* [http://www.mapletop.com Supermemo Palm] (Commercial) For PalmOS handhelds.

; Articles
* [http://www.english.hb.pl/articles/supermemo/ Learn English with SuperMemo] - how SuperMemo can help you learn English
* [http://www.antimoon.com/how/sm.htm Introduction to SuperMemo] - an introduction to SuperMemo
* [http://www.supermemo.com/articles/theory.htm Supermemo Theory]
* [http://www.nihongoperapera.com/supermemo.html Using SuperMemo to Study Japanese]
* [http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/magazine/16-05/ff_wozniak?currentPage=1 Want to Remember Everything You'll Ever Learn? Surrender to This Algorithm] - Wired Magazine article on Supermemo