Memory retention refers to the ability to remember information over a period of time. In short, it is the process of retrieving information after it has been encoded and stored. Occasionally, our retention may decay, and our stored memory is lost as time goes on. This event is also known as forgetting. When we forget things, there is an error in the retrieval process that causes memory to be reconstructed. So what exactly are the factors that contribute to memory loss, and how can we improve our memory retention?

According to Hermann Ebbinghaus, our memory retention is characterized by the “Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve”, which illustrates the rate at which we forget something after it is learned. Based on the graph, information is initially forgotten very quickly, but the rate of memory loss slows down as time goes on. However, it is important to note that memory decay can fluctuate based on the strength of your memory. For example, there are a number of techniques that can increase the durability of a memory. Many of these memorization methods are utilized in teaching and studying.

A few techniques most commonly used by students are the testing effect, spacing, and schemas. You have probably experienced the testing effect in school, which is the process of frequent testing to encourage active information recall. This allows you to become aware of what you have learned, as well as what you can revise in order to remember something better. The next method, spacing, is when you learn information over a prolonged period of time rather than cramming everything at once. Research has shown that breaking down topics into various segments improves the ability to retain memory. Another useful method is the application of schemas. Schemas are mental “shortcuts” that help you understand and classify new information.

Memorization is not only important when it comes to education, but it is also useful in everyday life. Practically all of our day-to-day actions are the accumulation of everything we have memorized ever since we were young. Additionally, expertise in any field requires thorough practice to prevent forgetting. Overall, while it may be challenging to take in new information, our ability to retain concepts allows us to continue learning as we grow.