Help your students remember what really matters

Why do students forget what they learn?

Teachers see it all the time: students seem to master a topic, only to forget most of it days later. But this isn’t laziness, it’s how memory works.

Studies show that most learners forget 70–90% of new information within days. The brain constantly filters what it thinks is relevant. If something isn’t used, it’s often lost. This phenomenon is known as the forgetting curve, first studied by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus.

The good news? Teachers can interrupt this curve and help students move from short-term recall to long-term learning.

What exactly is the forgetting curve?

The forgetting curve is a visual model of how quickly we forget new information over time—unless we make an effort to retain it.

Ebbinghaus discovered that right after learning something new, memory begins to fade almost immediately. However, with the right strategies—especially spaced repetition and retrieval practice—this curve can be flattened, and retention significantly improved.

6 science-backed strategies to boost memory in your English class

1. Use active recall

Don’t just re-read content. Ask your students to recall it from memory—without looking at their notes. Example: After a vocabulary lesson, ask them to write or say the words from memory.

2. Apply spaced repetition

Instead of reviewing everything at once, space it out. Revisit the same content one day later, then three days later, and so on. This boosts long-term memory and reduces mental overload.

3. Encourage meaningful connections

Help students link new content to real life. When they can relate, they retain.
Example: Teaching “delicious”? Ask them to describe their favorite meal.

4. Practice interleaving

Alternate topics during review sessions, mix grammar, vocabulary, and speaking practice. This helps students learn how to switch gears and apply knowledge flexibly.

5. Turn review into a game

Gamified retrieval is incredibly effective. Use flashcards, team quizzes, or memory races. A short 5-minute review game can boost participation and retention.

6. Add reflection moments

Let students explain what they’ve learned in their own words—through journaling, drawing, or peer teaching. These moments of reflection strengthen memory and confidence.

Try this in your next class

You don’t need a full curriculum overhaul. Just try one or two of these simple ideas:

• Add 3 review questions at the beginning of class
• Turn vocabulary into a team challenge
• Revisit grammar points every few days
• Ask students to teach a concept to a peer

Remember: repetition with purpose beats repetition by habit. By using these strategies, you’re not just teaching English—you’re helping students build memory habits that will last a lifetime.

Ready to make learning stick?

Let us know which strategy worked best in your class!
Share your ideas with the teaching community and help others beat the forgetting curve.

References:

• Brown, P. C., Roediger III, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make it stick: The science of successful learning. Harvard University Press.
• Ebbinghaus, H. (1913). Memory: A contribution to experimental psychology (H. A. Ruger & C. E. Bussenius, Trans.). Teachers College, Columbia University. (Original work published 1885)
• Oakley, B. (2014). A mind for numbers: How to excel at math and science (even if you flunked algebra). TarcherPerigee.
  
• Weinstein, Y., & Sumeracki, M. A. (2019). Understanding how we learn: A visual guide. Routledge.
  
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