The Forgetting Curve: Why We Forget and How to Combat It

Why do we quickly forget new information? An expert explains the 'forgetting curve' and suggests ways to improve our memory.

Ruth Gotian, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Education at Weill Cornell Medicine, notes that we often quickly forget what we learn, as if our brain is doing 'click, input, and delete'.

The forgetting curve, studied by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, shows that we forget approximately 50% of what we learn within one hour, 75% within one day, and up to 90% within one week.

Ways to prevent forgetting:

1. Write down what you hear in your own words.
2. Think before moving on to new information.
3. Apply something you just heard immediately.
4. Utilize technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

Active engagement and repetition are essential for long-term memory.

Source: www.ygeiamou.gr