Neuroscientific research and learning psychology prove that targeted reflection on what has been learnt strengthens the brain and promotes the retention of information. Investing 10 to 20 minutes a day in conscious reflection signals to the brain that the information is relevant. This signal is crucial, as the brain only stores new content in the long term if it categorises it as significant. A scientifically well-documented method that benefits this process is the repeated presentation of learning content at short intervals, the so-called ‘spacing effect’. This mechanism ensures that information is more firmly anchored in the memory.
The benefits of this approach are particularly evident when learning languages. A study by the University of Tübingen shows that a high level of neuronal activity can be observed at the beginning of language learning, but that this decreases as understanding progresses. This indicates that the brain processes the new information efficiently. If you integrate a short reflection phase into the learning process every day, you activate the brain’s receptive abilities in a targeted manner and thus optimise learning. This not only leads to better retention, but also makes language learning more effective and motivating overall.