The Role of Anki in Knowledge Retention: A Review of Spaced Repetition Algorithms in Medical Students' Anatomy Learning
- Authors
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Juan Fransiscus Wira
Jambi University
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- Abstract
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Introduction: The vast and complex curriculum in medical and health science education demands efficient learning strategies to ensure long-term retention of knowledge. Traditional passive study methods often fail to mitigate the natural forgetting curve. Digital tools like Anki, which utilize spaced repetition and active recall algorithms, offer a potential solution to enhance cognitive efficiency. However, their application across diverse educational stages requires comprehensive evaluation. Method: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for peer-reviewed articles published in 2015-2026. The review includes studies involving health science learners that implemented digital spaced repetition interventions and reported measurable quantitative academic outcomes. Discussion: Most studies indicate a positive correlation between the use of spaced repetition and examination scores across preclinical anatomy and clinical disciplines. Efficacy is driven by user consistency and the accumulation of cards that have reached their optimal repetition interval rather than sporadic usage. The method has the potential to improve both rapid pattern recognition and higher-order clinical reasoning. Conclusion: Spaced repetition and active recall potentially enhance learning efficiency by aligning with neurobiological processes of memory consolidation. Medical institutions are recommended to integrate these evidence-based strategies early in curricula to optimize students' long-term competency and academic success.
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- 2026-09-14
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Copyright (c) 2026 Juan Fransiscus Wira
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
