Articles
| Open Access | SPACED REPETITION AND ASSOCIATIONS: HOW TO EFFECTIVELY MEMORIZE VOCABULARY WHEN LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Sh.R Zaxidova , The English Teacher of the Academic lyceum of Turin Polytechnic UniversityAbstract
Vocabulary acquisition is one of the most critical and challenging aspects of foreign language learning. This article explores two scientifically grounded techniques - spaced repetition and associative memorization—that significantly enhance vocabulary retention and recall. The spaced repetition method optimizes review intervals based on memory decay patterns, while associative techniques leverage the brain’s preference for vivid imagery and meaningful connections. Combining these methods allows learners to systematically build and retain large vocabularies more efficiently. The article also discusses technological tools, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to personalize the learning process according to individual cognitive styles.
Keywords
spaced repetition, vocabulary learning, associative memory, foreign language acquisition, flashcards, memorization techniques, mnemonics, language learning strategies, Anki, memory retention
References
Ebbinghaus, H. (1913). Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology.
Cepeda, N. J., Pashler, H., Vul, E., Wixted, J. T., & Rohrer, D. (2006). Psychological Bulletin
Baddeley, A. D. (1990). Human Memory: Theory and Practice. Hove: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Nation, I. S. P. (2001). Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hulstijn, J. H. (2001). Intentional and incidental second-language vocabulary learning: A reappraisal of elaboration, rehearsal and automaticity. In P. Robinson (Ed.), Cognition and Second Language Instruction (pp. 258-286). Cambridge University Press.
Wozniak, P. A. (1990). Optimization of learning. SuperMemo World.
Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). The critical importance of retrieval for learning. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1152408
Atkinson, R. C., & Raugh, M. R. (1975). An application of the mnemonic keyword method to the acquisition of a Russian vocabulary. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 104(2), 126-133.
Article Statistics
Downloads
Copyright License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.