An important topic in learning a foreign language is the ability to acquire a wide vocabulary and use it naturally, similar to a native speaker, without forgetting grammar or learning strategies. But a common problem is the feeling of not being able to remember the vocabulary we have "studied". Regarding the type of information that is part of language learning, there are studies that have shown that after learning something for the first time, it is common to forget it quickly unless we review the material.
This is called the "forgetting curve". The "forgetting curve" shows the rate of retention loss of information over time. To minimize losses, small adjustments can be made in the way vocabulary is learned, such as reviewing after 19 minutes, one hour, one day, or one week. If we hear a new word or phrase only once, we are likely to forget it in one or two days. And that's as far as it goes, since it remains in our short-term memory (very short in some cases).
Our brain stores different types of memory in separate brain regions, which aligns with the idea that there is no single memory storage structure. Short-term memory is located in a specific region of the prefrontal cortex, while long-term memory is located in the cerebral cortex. Transfer between these areas is mainly unconscious and is essential to our survival, allowing us to remember skills such as driving a car or riding a bike, as well as significant events in our lives that have a strong emotional charge.
Let's go back to the word we saw only once. If we hear it again, it is more likely to stay in our memory for a few days or a week. But if we consciously repeat the process several times, the tendency is for the information to become permanently ingrained.
When we want to remember something, we need a conscious effort to transfer that
information to our long-term memory. The common method is to repeat what we have learned several times, either the same day or after a few days or weeks, to ensure that the information is available in our long-term memory. Periodic review helps delay the forgetting process, allowing us to retain information more effectively. This is what allows native speakers of any language to speak naturally without thinking too much, as their brains are accustomed to hearing and using those structures habitually and permanently. In short, our practice routines need to revisit past topics, whether it be vocabulary, grammar, or whatever, to reinforce them. This is called "spaced repetition," and yes, it works.
The spaced repetition technique is based on establishing appropriate time intervals to repeat the information we want to remember, depending on our assimilation capacity. These intervals can vary from person to person and can be adjusted according to our needs. A simple way to apply this technique is through lists or records of material that we have already used to revisit it again after a clear period of time. But let me tell you, it's not about repeating or doing exercises, or filling yourself with grammar exercises. It's about using resources that you have already used, taking it as a self-evaluation or appreciation of what you have learned in your process.
Nowadays, thanks to our knowledge of forgetting curves, technology offers a variety of mobile phone applications that help you maintain optimal control of your repetitions automatically. These programs usually use cards, known as "flashcards," where you can write down the information you want to memorize. Most apps will automatically schedule the time to review each card with a friendly reminder, and if you can't remember a card, the time is reduced for you to review it again. If you are successful, these apps the review time to follow the forgetting curves. Anki is one of the most popular apps, and Duolinguo uses a similar system.
Now, the brain processes information more easily when it is in a context. Therefore, it is recommended to include words in simple structures and contexts, which helps to retain the information for a longer period of time. Complement lists of isolated words with easy-to-remember and repeat contexts. Or better yet, they might already be part of the input you have used.
Instead of simply aiming to increase the number of words you know, focus on learning how not to forget and being able to recall necessary words in less than 3 seconds during a conversation. This requires a different learning approach. Don't forget, pun intended, that there is natural forgetting of information and its relationship to human learning.
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