The Forgetting Curve

It is very hard for me to memorise a lot of English words and idioms.

Even if I feel sure that I could memorise them completely, I have forgotten some of them next time I study.

I recently read a web site which has information about the Forgetting Curve proposed by German psychologist, Hermann Ebbinghaus.





According the curve, you forget 42 percent in 20 minutes after learning certain things first, then you forget 79 percent in a month unless you revise them.

So it is said that you’d better revise them 6 times, in 10 minutes, a day, a week, a month, three months and 6 months.

This method is also hard for me.




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Comments

I have the same problem memorizing Chinese characters. After a few weeks, I will start to forget the characters if I don't use them consistently. I guess the only way to retain vocabulary is to use them - either by reading or writing. Maybe you should lessen the numbers of vocabulary you learn but use them more often. For example, if you learn 5 words per day, make it a point to use those 5 words you have learned on your blog or on a piece of paper. That way it'll be easier to remember. Good luck!

Posted by Ivy at 2008年04月24日 15:14

That way sounds good!
It is also effective to practice making sentences.
Tank you for your advice.

Posted by PONTA at 2008年04月24日 21:34