Why Do We Forget What We Studied in School?
Education is a vital part of our lives, shaping our knowledge and future abilities. However, many individuals wonder whether they forget the information they acquire in school due to a deliberate decision or natural processes.
Why Do We Forget?
Studies show that regular revision and practice are crucial for retaining knowledge. Many students, especially those who have completed their school years, might pass several years without revisiting the subjects they once studied.
If you did not revise or apply the information you learned at regular intervals, chances are you would forget it. The same applies to any subject, whether it was a favorite or not. If you chose to study different subjects in university that were more career-oriented, you might find that you have forgotten a significant portion of the originally chosen subject.
Memory Renewal and Recall
To avoid forgetting, it's essential to reinforce and update the information you have learned. For example, if you learned that a snake has no legs, you later learned that it can be tall, and then you learned about its venom, you are constantly reviewing and adding new information. This process reinforces the memory and reduces the likelihood of forgetting.
The Role of Teachers and Assessment
Teachers also play a critical role in ensuring that students retain the information they have learned. If teachers do not conduct proper assessments right after teaching, students may lose control of the learning process. This can lead to cramming before exams, which often does not result in lasting knowledge retention.
For example, if a student only memorizes notes for an exam without understanding the material, they are unlikely to retain any of the knowledge after the exam. This behavior indicates a superficial approach to learning that does not promote long-term memory.
Personal Experiences and Perceptions
Individual experiences can color our perspectives on what we forget. For instance, the author remembers feeling that certain subjects they studied in school were "useless and senseless." They recall these subjects becoming irrelevant once the test was passed, and any pertinent information learned outside of school was never taught in the classroom.
Education often focuses on learning how to make a living, rather than learning how to live. This highlights a gap in educational curriculums that may not adequately prepare students for the complexities of life beyond the classroom.
Yet, the author acknowledges that one does not forget everything they learned in school. Certain memories are strong due to repeated access and use. When researching a specific topic, access to related information can strengthen the pathways in the brain, keeping the memory alive.
In conclusion, forgetting what we studied in school is often a result of infrequent recall and inadequate reinforcement. Regular revision, proper assessments, and engaging with the material in meaningful ways can help ensure that the knowledge we gain in school stays with us for a lifetime.