You have likely heard the expression "Use it or lose it" and this is partly how the brain works with memory retention. If knowledge is used more often, then it typically stays in your memory for longer. However, if for example, you learn a new word once, and then never practise using it, then that word will likely be forgotten quickly.
When "learning to learn" (either for yourself or your child), I invite you to look into "SRS". "SRS" stands for "Spaced Repetition System" and it is a way to help your brain forge longer lasting memories of things you have learnt and want to retain long-term:
An SRS will prompt you to recall something you have learnt previously, just before it is due to be forgotten.
Thus you can efficiently remember more and more vocabulary with minimal practice, which opens up more time to learn more. An SRS is typically used as a part of an algorithm in flashcard learning software. You won't be tested on the same word every single day. At first you might get tested after 1 day, then 2 days later, then 4 days later, then 8 days later etc until eventually you'll only need to practise a word once a year in order for it to be retained in long-term memory.
There are many different SRS Flashcard Software Systems available for language learning. I personally use "Anki" because it is free and it is open source software. It is very useful for learning new vocabulary in an efficient way:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anki_(software)
https://apps.ankiweb.net/
(There are also many free guides online which explain how to use Anki for language learning)
Have a great weekend and happy learning!
Dean :)
You have likely heard the expression "Use it or lose it" and this is partly how the brain works with memory retention. If knowledge is used more often, then it typically stays in your memory for longer. However, if for example, you learn a new word once, and then never practise using it, then that word will likely be forgotten quickly.
When "learning to learn" (either for yourself or your child), I invite you to look into "SRS". "SRS" stands for "Spaced Repetition System" and it is a way to help your brain forge longer lasting memories of things you have learnt and want to retain long-term:
An SRS will prompt you to recall something you have learnt previously, just before it is due to be forgotten.
Thus you can efficiently remember more and more vocabulary with minimal practice, which opens up more time to learn more. An SRS is typically used as a part of an algorithm in flashcard learning software. You won't be tested on the same word every single day. At first you might get tested after 1 day, then 2 days later, then 4 days later, then 8 days later etc until eventually you'll only need to practise a word once a year in order for it to be retained in long-term memory.
There are many different SRS Flashcard Software Systems available for language learning. I personally use "Anki" because it is free and it is open source software. It is very useful for learning new vocabulary in an efficient way:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anki_(software)
https://apps.ankiweb.net/
(There are also many free guides online which explain how to use Anki for language learning)
Have a great weekend and happy learning!
Dean :)