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Memorization is a key part of learning something new. Most often we rely on our memories for knowledge we have learned in the past whether it is through life experiences or studying. With a software program called SuperMemo, a user can rely on the science of long-term memory to learn. SuperMemo is a computer program for Windows, Windows CE, and Palm Pilot. It can be explored from Internet, DOS, Linux, Mac, and Amiga as well.

SuperMemo is based on the idea that there is an ideal moment to practice what you have learned. As a Wired.com article explains, “Practice too soon and you waste your time. Practice too late and you have to relearn it. The right time to practice is just at the moment you’re about to forget.” However, the time for when people are about to forget is different for everyone.

The program helps a user create collections of facts and remembers pieces of information that the user learns and wants to memorize. The program then tests how well the user memorizes those facts and bits of information. This essentially shows how much the user has learned, and how long the process took. At the same time, it collects information about the user’s retention rate.

SuperMemo then notifies the user the best time for reviewing information for him/her. The program identifies the pattern of the review and repetition of information in the user’s memory. It differentiates between what the user has learned and what the he/she has not learned. This increases efficiency of learning for the user because it saves time. The user will know what pieces of information to spend more time on and which ones he/she already knows. He/she won’t have to waste time on trying to learn information that has already been retained. The process of memorization is sped up.

The man behind SuperMemo is Piotr Wozniak, a Polish programmer who has implemented the algorithm behind his invention in every aspect of his life. In Wired.com’s recent profile of Wozniak, it is clear he has turned his mind into a laboratory for testing his theories. Independently of mainstream scientists and psychologists, Wozniak determined that human forgetfulness and memorization is patterned. Humans forget exponentially, and Wozniak was able calculate and exploit the point at which a person forgets.

SuperMemo, at the height of its success, was being sold (and pirated) all over the world. It is ideal for language learning, much of which is based on memorizing vocabulary. Wozniak, who has never visited an English-speaking country, has mastered the language using his software and his memorization theory. Students in Poland now use SuperMemo to study for language proficiency exams that would enable them to study abroad.

While the brain fitness trend continues to grow, more and more software claiming to help users improve their memories have emerged. Wozniak’s SuperMemo has stood the test of time, and its basis in psychology gives it an edge over more game-like systems such as Brain Age. Though his company struggles to compete with snappy interfaces and entertaining exercises, SuperMemo’s scientific foundations continue to attract users who want to continually improve their memories.

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

By Chris White