MEMORY AND LEARNING
United against forgetting!
The Memory Box
Since forgetting is the declared enemy of students, and one of the frequent causes of giving up — in Arabic but also in other languages, rest assured — it is important to set up what is called a “memory box,” or “Leitner box” for those in the know. What is it? A simple compartmented box that anyone can buy or make, in which index cards are placed. The first compartment is for revision one hour after learning the vocabulary, the grammar lesson, or anything else. The second compartment is for revision one day later. The third, one week later; the fourth, one month later; and the fifth, six months later — finally ending up in the bin in its paper form, but engraved in the mind 🙂 When a card is not known, it stays in place, or even moves back. The revision frequency is then adjusted to suit each person.
The Forgetting Curve
This technique is based on observations of how memory behaves, schematically represented by the forgetting curve, or “Ebbinghaus curve” for those in the know.
Without frequent recall, the information-retention curve descends inexorably toward the abyss of forgetting, carrying students’ motivation away with it.
This is what happens all too often, for lack of a rational approach to learning.
Apps
For technology enthusiasts, there are also smartphone apps that replace the good old box. These apps vary — more or less effective, free or paid. Against forgetting anything goes, so everyone is invited to use the method of their choice. The key is not to leave our memory to the hazards of unplanned recall. For, in conclusion, memory can remain a friend — provided we show up on time for its appointments!
COURS D'ARABE
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INSTITUT IMTIYAZ
