If you’ve ever stared at a test paper and thought, “I knew this yesterday!”, you’ve experienced one of the most universal struggles in learning: forgetting. But rather than being a sign of failure, forgetting is actually a sign that your brain is doing its job.
Why We Forget
Human memory is designed to filter information, not store everything. The concept of forgetting was first described by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus, whose Forgetting Curve illustrated how newly learned information fades rapidly over time if it isn’t reinforced. Modern research continues to support his findings showing that students can forget up to 50–75% of new material within 24 hours without review or practice, confirming that our brains are wired to let go of unused information unless it’s revisited through deliberate reinforcement.
For IBDP and IGCSE students who juggle multiple subjects, this process is amplified. With dense syllabi, essay deadlines, and IAs, your brain selectively prioritizes what it perceives as important, and lets go of the rest.
How Memory Actually Works
Memory operates in three stages:
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Encoding: taking in information (e.g., through reading or listening).
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Storage: retaining it over time.
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Retrieval: recalling it when needed (like in exams).
The problem arises when learning stops at encoding. Many students read or listen without reinforcing what they’ve learned, so storage and retrieval never strengthen.
Science-Backed Hacks to Improve Memory Retention
Spaced Repetition
Instead of cramming the night before, review material at increasing intervals: one day, three days, a week, then two weeks later, for example. This method takes advantage of the brain’s natural forgetting rhythm, reactivating the memory before it fades completely.
Active Recall
Quiz yourself instead of just rereading notes. By forcing your brain to retrieve information, you strengthen neural pathways. This is why past papers, flashcards, and question banks are invaluable for IBDP and IGCSE prep.
Interleaving Practice
Mix different subjects or question types in a single study session. For example, alternate between Biology and Mathematics to challenge the brain to switch contexts, improving adaptability and retention.
Elaborative Encoding
Connect new information to what you already know. When learning about kinetic theory in Physics, for example, relate it to real-world examples like cooking or car engines. The more associations your brain builds, the harder it becomes to forget.
Sleep and Retrieval
Sleep is not downtime. It’s memory consolidation time! Studies show that information reviewed before sleep is more likely to be transferred into long-term memory. So yes, an early night is a study strategy.
Forget Less. Remember More.
It may sound simple, but it takes effort. Forgetting is not your enemy; it is a natural part of how the brain learns and strengthens memory. The real goal is to study in a way that works with your brain, not against it. For IBDP and IGCSE students, using study techniques such as spaced repetition and active recall can turn short-term understanding into long-term mastery.
So the next time you revise, do not study just to remember for the exam. Study to remember for life.
