Learning Thai with Spaced Repetition: Applying the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve

Spaced Repetition is currently the most scientific memory method, allowing you to remember the most content in the least amount of time. By reviewing at the critical point of forgetting, short-term memories can be converted into long-term memories, significantly boosting learning efficiency.

What is the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve?

German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered through experiments in 1885 that human forgetting follows a regular pattern:

The Law of Forgetting

This means: If you learn 100 Thai words today, you'll only remember 34 tomorrow!

Insights from the Forgetting Curve

1. Forgetting speed is initially fast, then slows down: Forgetting is fastest right after learning, then gradually decreases.
2. Timely review can delay forgetting: Reviewing before you forget makes memories more robust.
3. Review intervals can gradually lengthen: After each successful review, the next review can be further apart.

This is the scientific basis of spaced repetition!

Principles of Spaced Repetition

Core Idea

Reviewing at the moment you are about to forget can:

• Maximize memory efficiency
• Minimize review time
• Convert short-term memory to long-term memory

Optimal Review Intervals

Based on the forgetting curve, recommended review intervals are:

After 8 spaced repetitions, information generally enters long-term memory.

Applying Spaced Repetition in Thai Learning

Application Scenario 1: Vocabulary Memorization

When learning new vocabulary, use spaced repetition:

Day 1: Learn 10 new words

• Learn in the morning
• 1st review after 20 minutes
• 2nd review after 1 hour
• 3rd review before bed at night

Day 2: 4th review in the morning + learn 10 new words

Day 4: 5th review of Day 1's words

Day 10: 6th review of Day 1's words

Application Scenario 2: Consonant Memorization

Learning the 44 Thai consonants:

Week 1: Learn 5-7 consonants daily

• Middle Class Consonants (9): Day 1-2
• High Class Consonants (11): Day 3-4
• Low Class Consonants (24): Day 5-7

Weeks 2-3: Review according to the spaced repetition schedule

Application Scenario 3: Grammar Rules

Learning tone rules:

• First, understand the principles
• Practice repeatedly with example words
• Spaced review of rule tables

🎯 StudyThai.ai includes a built-in spaced repetition algorithm that automatically schedules your review times, so you just need to study daily.

How to Practice Spaced Repetition?

Method 1: Use Tools (Recommended)

The easiest way is to use a learning tool that supports spaced repetition:

StudyThai.ai's Implementation:

1. When learning new content, the system records the learning time.
2. Answer correctly → extend the next review interval.
3. Answer incorrectly → shorten the review interval, reappear sooner.
4. Daily push notifications for content that needs review.

Method 2: Manual Tracking

If you're learning traditionally, you can use a table to track:

A checkmark means remembered, a cross means the interval needs to be reset.

Method 3: Physical Flashcards

Leitner System:

1. Prepare 5 boxes
2. New cards go into Box 1
3. Answer correctly → move to the next box
4. Answer incorrectly → return to Box 1
5. Box 1 is reviewed daily, Box 5 monthly

Considerations for Spaced Repetition

Consideration 1: Don't Overwhelm Yourself

Limit new content to 10-20 words daily. Because:

• New content requires multiple reviews.
• Review tasks accumulate.
• Learning too much will lead to excessive review pressure.

Consideration 2: Stick to Daily Reviews

Spaced repetition requires regular review; missing reviews will affect effectiveness:

• Ideally at a fixed time each day.
• Even if you only have 5 minutes, review.
• Use phone reminders.

Consideration 3: Combine with Understanding

Spaced repetition is a memory technique, but it cannot replace understanding:

• Understand the meaning before memorizing.
• Learn with example sentences.
• Understand the usage scenarios of vocabulary.

Consideration 4: Active Recall

When reviewing, actively recall rather than passively read:

• Look at the Thai, recall the English.
• Look at the English, recall the Thai.
• Listen to the pronunciation, recall the spelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is spaced repetition really effective?

Extremely effective! Extensive scientific research proves that spaced repetition is 2-3 times more efficient than cramming. Many language learning apps (such as Anki, Duolingo) adopt this method. StudyThai.ai also has a built-in spaced repetition algorithm based on the Ebbinghaus curve.

Q: How much time is needed daily?

15-30 minutes is sufficient. The advantage of spaced repetition is its efficiency; it doesn't require long study sessions. The key is to be consistent daily, rather than cramming on weekends. Spending 15 minutes reviewing each day is far more effective than spending 3 hours on a weekend.

Q: What if I can't remember during review?

This is normal. Spaced repetition involves reviewing just as you're "about to forget," so it might feel a bit challenging. Words you can't remember will reappear sooner until they stick. This "effort" is precisely how your brain strengthens memories.

Q: Can I skip reviews?

It's best not to. Skipping reviews will disrupt the spaced schedule and require more time to re-solidify memories. If you're really busy, you can prioritize reviewing only the most urgent (about-to-be-forgotten) content.

---

Start Using Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is the optimal method for learning Thai vocabulary. Starting today, dedicate 15 minutes daily, and you'll be amazed at your progress.