iKana features a Leitner based spaced repetition system for teaching vocabulary. You will be walked through the meaning and spelling of each word then quizzed on them in a series of simple multiple choice tests. Each word moves between five groups that are tested at different intervals. Words in group 1 are tested the most frequently and words in group 5 are tested the least frequently. Each time you answer all questions about a word correctly it will move up a group. Each time you make a mistake it will drops back down to group 1. The circle icon to the right of each word in the Vocab Browser shows the group it is in. An empty circle signifies group 1 and a full green circle signifies group 5
. The more green you see, the better you are doing!
When you pick a vocabulary set to train iKana will pick out 10 words to teach or test you on. These words will either be untested or otherwise be due for retesting. iKana priorities words that are due for retesting over introducing new vocabulary.
While you can practice a given vocabulary set multiple times you won't be able to retest the same words multiple times in one session once you have correctly answered them. To see when they will become due for retesting see the testing intervals below.
The test frequency for a word depends on the group it's currently in:
Retest intervals are calculated precisely so 1 day means 24 hours since the last time you were tested on a given word. Remember that the group a word is in goes up each time it is correctly answered. Words in group 1 will either have not been tested at all or have been answered incorrectly the last time they were tested.