Learning Algorithms

Lernation offers two powerful learning modes. Choose the one that fits your study style.

Sequential Mode

Study in order, like reading a book. Perfect for first-time learning and verbatim memorization.

✓ Best for initial learning

✓ Maintains context flow

✓ Great for textbooks

FSRS Mode

Spaced repetition based on memory science. Optimizes long-term retention.

✓ Best for long-term memory

✓ Reviews when you're about to forget

✓ Great for exams

Sequential Learning Mode

Sequential mode presents your flashcards in the order they appear in your document. This preserves the logical flow of the material, making it ideal for:

First-time learning - When you need to understand concepts in order
Verbatim memorization - Poems, speeches, scripts, quotes, lyrics
Textbooks - Where later chapters build on earlier ones
Step-by-step processes - Procedures, algorithms, recipes
Narratives - History, case studies, stories

Two Ordering Options

Depth-First (DFS)

Go deep into subtopics before moving to the next main topic.

1 → 1.1 → 1.1.1 → 1.2 → 2 → 2.1 → 3

Best for: Hierarchical content, detailed study

Breadth-First (BFS)

Cover all main topics first, then dive into details.

1 → 2 → 3 → 1.1 → 1.2 → 2.1 → 1.1.1

Best for: Overview first, quick summaries

Range Selection

Focus on specific sections by setting a range. For example, study only chapters 3-5 by setting the range to 3.0.0 - 5.99.99.

FSRS Spaced Repetition

FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) is a modern, research-backed algorithm that schedules reviews at the optimal time - right before you're about to forget.

How It Works

1You review a flashcard and rate your recall (Again, Hard, Good, Easy)
2FSRS calculates the card's stability (how well you know it) and difficulty
3Based on your target retention (90%), it schedules the next review
4Cards you know well get longer intervals; difficult cards get shorter ones

Rating Your Recall

😵

Again

Forgot completely

😰

Hard

Barely remembered

😊

Good

Remembered well

🤩

Easy

Effortless recall

Memory Parameters

Parameter	Description	Range
Stability	How long until you forget (days at 90% retention)	0.1 - 36500
Difficulty	How hard the card is for you	1.0 - 10.0
Interval	Days until next review	0 - 365

Why FSRS Over SM-2?

FSRS is the successor to the older SM-2 algorithm (used by Anki). Research shows FSRS achieves the same retention with 30-50% fewer reviews compared to SM-2.

More accurate memory modeling with 21 parameters
Adapts to your individual learning patterns
Better handling of difficult cards (no "ease hell")
Open source and scientifically validated

When to Use Which?

Scenario	Sequential	FSRS
First time learning new material	✓ Best	—
Exam preparation (long-term)	—	✓ Best
Quick review before class	✓ Best	—
Language vocabulary	—	✓ Best
Reading a textbook chapter	✓ Best	—
Poems, speeches, scripts	✓ Best	—
Medical/Law facts memorization	—	✓ Best

Pro tip: Use Sequential mode first to learn new material, then switch to FSRS mode to retain it long-term. The best of both worlds!

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