What exactly is a 'forgetting curve'? Study hacks to combat it
There are numerous aspects to learning a subject and grasping all the concepts clearly. Not only does it involve understanding, it also includes retaining that information over time and having the ability to apply it as required. However, many students tend to fall prey to a ‘forgetting curve’ after the initial learning process. But what exactly does a ‘forgetting curve mean and how can students combat it?
A forgetting curve, more popularly known as ‘Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve’, is a concept which was explained by a German psychologist named Hermann Ebbinghaus in the 19th century. He tested his memory over a period of time and plotted a graph based on the data collected. His graph illustrated that information learnt initially tends to disappear at an exponential rate at the beginning, within 2-3 days after learning. This rate tapers off after this phase. Here are a few useful ways your teen can combat the forgetting curve and retain information for a long time.
Ensure that he reinforces learning regularly
According to Ebbinghaus, information can be recalled with more ease when it is built upon things that have already been learnt. This is to say that your teen must regularly revisit the topics he has learnt, even for a short while, in order for them to create a permanent or at least long-lasting place in his mind. Every time that learning is reinforced, the decline rate also reduces.
Guide her in choosing the correct study resources
In order for information to stay put in the mind for a longer time, it is ideal to make the content easier to consume and absorb in the first place. To do this, guide your teen in choosing study materials which make it easier to understand concepts. For example, studying from a textbook may be a mundane task. Instead, have her switch it up and use flash cards, relevant educational videos, games, etc.
Help him make the information more relevant
A custom-made study resource will have a much larger impact as compared to an off-the-shelf, usual one. The more relevant the study data is, the easier it is to recall it. Thus, help your teen integrate study concepts in real life or use practical examples to understand them better. For example, encourage him to conduct scientific experiments on photosynthesis by himself instead of just learning about it theoretically.
Help her make the study material more interactive
Being involved with the information makes learning more effective and long-term as compared to being a passive learner. Help your teen to make learning more interactive by including elements of gameplay in order to keep up the focus. Educational gaming is a great option for this.