Our brain is an extremely complex organ and its functioning often remains a mystery to science. One of the most fascinating questions is: How does the brain remember things?? How does our thinking organ manage to store memories and recall them at any time? This question is not only on the minds of researchers, but also of programmers trying to develop artificial intelligence that works like our brain.
One of the ways to explore this phenomenon is to study different learning methods. Duolingo is a popular app that helps millions of people learn languages. But how does Duolingo work and how does it use our brain’s cognitive processes to teach us new languages? In this article, we will take a closer look at this question and examine how our brain stores and retrieves information.
How our memory stores things
The human brain is a very powerful computer. It can process, store, and recall information. But how does our brain remember things? According to researchers, there are three main ways the brain stores information: through linkage, through repetition, and through intensive learning.
The brain can store information by linking it to knowledge it already has. For example, it can easily remember a familiar face by associating it with the name and other information it already knows. It can also store information through repetition. When we hear or see something repeatedly, it stays in long-term memory. Finally, the brain can store information through intensive learning. When we focus on a task and do it repeatedly, it imprints itself on our memory.
There are also three types of memory; sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory stores visual or auditory information for a short period of time. Short-term memory stores information for a limited time, usually 20 seconds to a minute. Finally, long-term memory stores information for a long time, possibly for the rest of our lives.
- Linkage
- Repetition
- Intensive learning
The human brain is an incredibly powerful instrument. It stores information through linkage, repetition and intensive learning. There are three types of memory, sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. The brain is the basis for human understanding and the ability to learn, and our memory is an important part of it.
Remembering
Our brain remembers things in different ways. Firstly through repetition, and secondly through emotional experiences. An emotional experience can make a particularly strong impression on the memory and imprint events that might otherwise be forgotten. For example, we often remember the place and circumstances when we received good or bad news.
But language learning is also based on remembering and repeating words and grammatical rules. Here it can help to use the words in sentences and to recognize certain patterns. Learning in different contexts can also be helpful in this process.
Another important factor is linking new information with existing knowledge. When we learn something new, the brain automatically tries to link this knowledge with existing knowledge. The more connections we can make, the better we can remember the new information.
- Repetition of information is also important to keep it in memory in the long term. However, it is important not to pause too long with one thing, otherwise forgetting will set in more quickly.
- Another technique to remember things better is visualization. If we imagine a thing pictorially, we can often remember it better. This is because our brain can process images better than abstract concepts or numbers.
- Lastly, age also plays a role in remembering. Memory deteriorates with age. That’s why it’s important to keep the brain fit in old age through mental challenges, such as learning new languages.
Forgetting
Our brain is capable of storing an incredible amount of information. But how does our brain remember things? And why we sometimes forget things or can no longer remember them?
There are different theories about how the brain processes and stores information. An important role is played here by the nerve cells, which communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals and thus pass on information. But forgetting is also an important part of this process. This is because our brain must be able to block out unimportant information and concentrate on the essentials.
Forgetting can have different reasons. On the one hand, it may be because the brain has not processed the information sufficiently. On the other hand, it can also be due to the fact that the information is not correctly linked in the memory. So it can happen that a certain event or information seems to have been erased from memory.
- Memory training: To prevent or at least reduce forgetting, you can do memory training. This can be done, for example, by learning new facts and contexts or by regularly repeating what we have already learned.
- Associations: Another way is to link information with positive associations. For example, you can remember a certain event by remembering the place or people associated with it.
- Emotions: Emotions also play an important role in remembering and forgetting information. This is how we can better remember events that are associated with strong emotions.
Overall, forgetting is a natural and important part of memory formation. However, by practicing regularly and associating information with positive associations, you can help yourself remember important information better and not forget it so quickly.
How Duolingo uses our memory
The human brain has an amazing ability to remember things. Duolingo uses this ability in its language learning program to optimize the learning process.
The program uses the principle of repetition to present words and phrases to learners. When we look at or repeat things repeatedly, our brain can store them better. Duolingo adapts the frequency of repetitions to the user’s memory, so that learning takes place optimally.
In addition, Duolingo uses game-like elements such as points, levels, and rewards to increase user interest and make learning more fun. When we have fun and are positively motivated, we remember things better and stay focused longer.
- Using images and audio files can also help remember words and phrases. When we can make a visual or auditory connection, what is learned sticks better.
- Another important factor is the contextualization of learning. Duolingo puts words and phrases in context so the user can see how they are used in a natural context. This helps with learning and remembering.
In summary, Duolingo leverages our memory through repetitive presentation of words and phrases, playful elements that make the learning process more entertaining, the use of images and audio files, and contextualization of learning. In this way, users can learn languages more effectively and efficiently and remember what they have learned better.
How can we train our memory?
Everyone can train and improve their memory. The brain learns better through variety and repetition. One way, for example, is to memorize poems or texts. Learning new skills or languages also promotes mental flexibility and helps improve memory.
The “mnemonics” technique is also very useful for improving memory. Here, images, stories or associations are used to link and store information. Another way is to train the brain through physical activities, such as dancing or sports.
- Reading regularly, creating structure and routines, and avoiding stress and lack of sleep can also help support memory.
- Attention should be paid to a balanced diet and avoidance of nicotine and alcohol. Studies have shown that a healthy diet helps improve memory performance.
The brain is a powerful organ and has the ability to constantly improve itself. A conscious approach to mental and physical stress can help train and strengthen memory. It’s never too late to start exercising.