Strategies to Overcome the "Forgotting Phenomenon" during Learning Process
It's common sense that the longer you don't access a memory, the harder it becomes to recall – but this wasn't always a fact we simply understood. In the 1880s, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus examined this concept and shared his observations, introducing the world to the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve. This graph illustrates how information disappears over time, confirming that forgetting due to time is indeed a reality (and has been supported by further research since). Looking to preserve your memories, particularly during study sessions? Here's how.
How long do fresh memories persist?
According to Ebbinghaus, how much we forget depends on factors like the complexity and significance of the material, as well as our fatigue or stress levels, meaning there's no straightforward answer to how many days you'll retain information if you stop thinking about it.
We also know that the sequence of information presentation plays a significant role in how long information stays in our short-term memory, implying that multiple factors impact our ability to retrieve and retain information. Unfortunately, there's no simple answer to how long you'll retain information if you don't think about it, but Ebbinghaus and modern educators agree on certain strategies to enhance retention.
Overcome the forgetting curve using spaced repetition
The first approach to improve retention is spaced repetition, an empirical method that aids learners in absorbing and internalizing numerous pieces of information.
Simply put, you need to review the material multiple times, while increasing the gaps between reviews. The length of the break between reviews depends largely on how well you're already retaining the information – the longer you've reviewed, the longer you can wait before reviewing again. Register for a difficult class should be reviewed more often than one you understand easily. Instead of relying on your intuition to determine if you need to review the material, you could try employing the Leitner system, which assists in scheduling your studying based on your previous performance with flashcards. If you answered a flashcard correctly, you can study it less frequently moving forward.
If you're skeptical about traditional methods such as handwritten flashcards, don't be. Writing by hand can actually improve your ability to retain information, so using the Leitner system by hand can offer double the benefits.
Beat the forgetting curve with active learning
Educational resources suggest that instructors employ techniques to make lessons more entertaining to help children overcome the forgetting curve. However, you can adapt this concept to your personal studying, regardless of your learning level. For example, when studying new information, use techniques that keep your focus on the material.
Try interpreting new data through Kolb's learning cycle, which hinges on the idea that concrete experiences, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and experimental application are necessary for actual learning. Alternatively, utilize a critical-thinking method like SQ3R to monitor your progress on a topic. With SQ3R, you'll jot down what you can decipher from reviewing the material, list questions you'd like to answer during a more thorough read, and remain focused as you seek out the answers to your questions. This method also includes reviewing your notes periodically, which complements spaced repetition and helps you conquer the forgetting curve. Try to use a classic notebook for this and reap the benefits of handwriting and reviewing. You could even buy a specialty notebook that leads you through the SQ3R process, allowing you to concentrate exclusively on writing and reviewing.
After studying for a test, it might be helpful to take breaks and review the material using the spaced repetition method, which involves reviewing the information with increasing gaps between sessions. This strategy can help retain information over a longer period. On the other hand, involving the whole family in learning can also enhance memory retention and make studying more enjoyable. For instance, explaining concepts to younger siblings or discussing study materials with parents can make complex topics easier to understand and more memorable.
