Strategies to Overcome Forgetting in Math and Other Skills
Many individuals, particularly those who learn a lot of new information over the course of their lives, inevitably forget what they have learned, especially in fields like mathematics. However, the news is not entirely bleak.
Understanding the Nature of Forgetting
Yes, not only math but a vast majority of skills and knowledge that you acquire throughout your life can be forgotten. This phenomenon is not limited to mathematics. People who have become proficient in a language but then work in another field for decades often lose the ability to speak or write in their native language.
Some might argue that forgetting is because the information was not thoroughly learned when young. However, this is a misguided notion. As you progress in your professional life, your brain becomes less eager to retain new information due to the sheer volume of other responsibilities and skills you have acquired. This doesn't mean you can't relearn, but it will take more effort.
The Good and Bad News
Good news for those who can't seem to retain information: anything you learned once can be relearned again when you need it. The relearning process, while time-consuming, is feasible. More interestingly, the relearning experience can provide new perspectives and insights that you may not have had when you first learned the material.
Bad news, however, is that as you grow older, your impatience becomes your greatest enemy. Learning abstract subjects like mathematics, physics, and similar fields requires a significant amount of patience. To counteract this challenge, finding a deep passion for the subject is essential, and you may need a strong one to persevere through complex topics.
A Personal Experience
I obtained my PhD in 65 and have taught math in high school for about twenty years. Now, I've forgotten much of what I learned in university. This experience shows that over time, knowledge fades if not regularlyused.
Strategies for Effective Learning and Retention
Despite the challenges of forgetting, there are several strategies you can use to enhance your learning and retention in mathematics and other skills.
1. Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is crucial. Set aside a small amount of time daily to work through math problems, even if it's just a few. Regular practice reinforces concepts and helps build muscle memory.
2. Active Learning
Instead of passive reading or listening, engage actively with the material. Try teaching concepts to someone else or discuss them in a study group. Active learning can significantly aid in retention.
3. Spaced Repetition
Use the technique of spaced repetition, where you review material at intervals. This method helps reinforce memory. For example, review a topic a few days after first learning it, then revisit it in a week, then in a month, and so on.
4. Relate Concepts
Create connections between new concepts and things you already know. This creates a mental framework that helps solidify your understanding. For example, relate new mathematical concepts to previously mastered ones or to real-world scenarios.
5. Visual Aids
Use diagrams, graphs, and visual representations of problems. Visual learning can be more effective in retaining information, especially in complex subjects like math.
6. Take Breaks
Don’t study for long periods without taking breaks. Short, focused study sessions followed by breaks can improve concentration and retention. This helps prevent burnout and ensures that what you learn sticks.
7. Solve Real-World Problems
Apply math concepts to real-life situations. This makes learning more relevant and memorable. For instance, if you are learning about integrals, consider how this concept can be used in calculating areas or volumes in real-life contexts.
8. Stay Curious
Cultivate a genuine interest in the subject. Explore different areas of math that intrigue you and dive deeper into topics that fascinate you. Passion is a powerful motivator in long-term learning and retention.
9. Use Mnemonics
Create memory aids for formulas or sequences. Mnemonics can be a fun and effective way to remember complex information. For example, you can create a rhyme or acronym for remembering a specific sequence of steps in a mathematical process.
10. Reflect on Learning
At the end of each study session, take a few minutes to summarize what you’ve learned. Writing down key points can reinforce memory and provide a clear map of the material you have covered.
Conclusion
By incorporating these strategies into your study routine, you should find it easier to remember mathematical concepts over time. Happy studying!