The Forgetting Curve

The forgetting curve is a concept from psychology that describes how memory retention declines over time when there is no attempt to retain the information.

Key Characteristics

• Exponential Decay: The curve shows that we forget information exponentially. The steepest drop in memory happens shortly after learning.
• Spaced Repetition: The way to combat the forgetting curve is through spaced repetition. Reviewing the information at increasing intervals helps to flatten the curve and lock the information into long-term memory.

Implications for Learning and Training

• One-Shot Training is Ineffective: A single training event is not enough to create lasting learning. Much of the information will be forgotten shortly after the event.
• Repetition is Crucial: Continuous reinforcement of learned material is essential for long-term retention and skill development. This is a core principle of The Importance of Continuous Training.

By understanding the forgetting curve, we can design more effective learning experiences that lead to long-term mastery.