Why Forgetting Is Part of Learning

We’ve all been there—studying tirelessly for an exam, trying to memorize a series of facts or concepts, only to forget most of it soon after. It can be frustrating, especially when we’ve invested significant time and effort. But what if forgetting isn’t a flaw in the learning process? What if it’s actually an essential part of learning? Recent research in cognitive science suggests that forgetting is not only natural, but also crucial for effective learning and memory retention.

This article will explore why forgetting is a fundamental aspect of the learning process, the science behind it, and how embracing the act of forgetting can actually improve our ability to retain and apply information in the long run.

The Traditional View of Forgetting: A Negative Phenomenon

For decades, forgetting was generally seen as a failure of memory—a frustrating outcome to be avoided. The common goal of education and personal learning has long been to remember as much as possible and avoid the embarrassment of forgetting. This has led to strategies that prioritize sheer memorization rather than understanding.

Example: Think of how many times you’ve used flashcards or rote repetition to memorize information for a test. The idea was simple: the more you repeat, the more you will retain.

While this approach certainly helps in the short term, it can often lead to the illusion of understanding without a true grasp of the material. Simply put, we sometimes confuse memorization with learning.

The Science Behind Forgetting: Why It’s Natural and Necessary

Recent cognitive science, however, paints a different picture. Forgetting isn’t just a failure of the brain—it’s an active and necessary process for efficient learning. Here’s why:

1. The Forgetting Curve: A Natural Process

In the late 19th century, psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted groundbreaking research on memory and forgetting. His findings, known as the forgetting curve, showed that we tend to forget information quickly after learning it, but the rate of forgetting slows down over time.

Key Point: Ebbinghaus’s research suggested that 50% of newly learned information can be forgotten within an hour, and 70% within a day. However, after the initial drop, the rate of forgetting stabilizes.

Ebbinghaus’s work helped show that forgetting is an inherent part of how memory functions. But rather than being something to fight against, forgetting plays a key role in how we process and retain meaningful information.

2. Forgetting Helps Strengthen Memory

While it may seem counterintuitive, forgetting can actually reinforce what we know. The act of forgetting information forces the brain to reevaluate what is important and relevant, strengthening the memory of the most important concepts.

Research: A study published in Psychological Science demonstrated that students who were exposed to repeated learning over time (spacing out their study sessions) were more likely to retain information long-term compared to those who crammed. Forgetting, in this case, acted as a natural filter that helped students remember the critical aspects of what they were studying.
Example: When you forget less relevant information and focus on what is truly important, you are better able to apply your knowledge in meaningful ways.

3. Forgetting and the Brain’s Efficiency

Our brains are not designed to store every single piece of information we encounter. Instead, they prioritize information that is deemed valuable for future use. Forgetting acts as a mechanism for the brain to streamline memory, filtering out irrelevant details and focusing on the patterns and concepts that matter most.

Research: Neuroscientists have found that the brain continually “erases” less useful memories to make space for new, relevant information. According to Dr. Jeffery M. Schwartz, a professor at UCLA, this process of “synaptic pruning” is essential for maintaining cognitive health and facilitating long-term learning.

4. Forgetting Fosters Adaptability

Forgetting also allows us to remain adaptable and open-minded. If we retained every piece of information from the past, our ability to innovate and think creatively would be limited. When we forget outdated knowledge or concepts, it gives us the mental flexibility to embrace new ideas and challenge previous assumptions.

Example: Consider how industries evolve. New technologies and methodologies render old practices obsolete. Those who can “forget” outdated ways of thinking and adapt to new paradigms are more likely to succeed.

The Role of Forgetting in Modern Learning Practices

Understanding that forgetting is part of learning opens up exciting new opportunities for more effective learning practices. Here’s how you can leverage the natural process of forgetting to improve your own learning strategies:

1. Spaced Repetition: Harnessing the Power of Forgetting

One of the most effective ways to capitalize on forgetting is through spaced repetition—a learning technique where you revisit material at increasing intervals over time. This strategy takes advantage of the forgetting curve by reinforcing key concepts just before you would naturally forget them.

Actionable Tip: Use apps like Anki or Quizlet that implement spaced repetition algorithms. These tools automatically schedule reviews of the material at intervals that optimize retention and help solidify information in long-term memory.

2. Active Recall: Encouraging the Brain to “Fight” Forgetting

Active recall is another powerful technique for improving retention while acknowledging the natural tendency to forget. Active recall involves testing yourself on the material, rather than passively reviewing it, which forces your brain to retrieve and reinforce the memory.

Actionable Tip: Instead of simply reading your notes, actively quiz yourself on key concepts. Create flashcards or have someone ask you questions based on your study material.

3. Embrace Constructive Forgetting: Letting Go of the Unnecessary

In both personal and professional contexts, it’s crucial to learn how to let go of irrelevant or outdated information. Not every piece of knowledge needs to be remembered, and the ability to “forget” or disregard irrelevant details can improve focus and clarity.

Actionable Tip: When learning new concepts or tackling new projects, prioritize the most relevant and actionable knowledge. Allow yourself to forget or disregard less useful details, which will free up cognitive resources for more important tasks.

4. Reflection and Consolidation: Reviewing for Deep Learning

Rather than trying to retain every detail, use reflection as a tool to consolidate your learning. After absorbing new information, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it fits into your broader understanding. This process of consolidation strengthens the most relevant knowledge, making it more likely to stick long-term.

Actionable Tip: At the end of each week, take 15 minutes to reflect on the material you’ve learned. Jot down key takeaways, insights, or patterns that you can apply in the future. This will help your brain prioritize what’s important and reinforce those concepts over time.

Embracing Forgetting for Growth

While forgetting may initially feel like a setback, it’s actually a vital part of the learning process. By understanding how and why forgetting happens, we can use it to our advantage. Forgetting allows us to refine our knowledge, retain only what’s important, and remain adaptable in an ever-changing world.

Rather than fighting against forgetting, embrace it as a natural tool for deeper, more effective learning. Whether through spaced repetition, active recall, or prioritizing meaningful insights, accepting the role of forgetting can lead to improved understanding, stronger retention, and greater success in both personal and professional growth.

Final Thoughts

Forgetting is often seen as a flaw in our learning process, but the truth is that it is an essential part of how we learn and grow. The act of forgetting allows our brains to focus on what truly matters, filtering out unnecessary details and strengthening our ability to retain important information.

By embracing forgetting, we can develop more effective learning strategies—such as spaced repetition, active recall, and reflection—that optimize memory retention and enhance our understanding over time. Rather than fighting the natural ebb and flow of memory, we can use forgetting to our advantage, refining our knowledge and remaining flexible in a world that is constantly changing.

In the end, forgetting is not a roadblock; it’s an opportunity to simplify, focus, and grow. So, the next time you find yourself forgetting something, don’t be discouraged. Recognize it as part of the process, and use it as a tool to deepen your understanding and improve your long-term learning.

Reference

Ebbinghaus and the Forgetting Curve, https://en.wikipedia.org
Want to Remember Everything You’ll Ever Learn? Surrender to This Algorithm, https://www.wired.com
Active Biological Role of Forgetting, https://time.com