Study Less, Learn More? Yes, Actually.
Have you ever sat down with your flashcards, determined to memorize 50 new words… only to forget them all two days later?
It’s frustrating. You’re putting in the time, but the results aren’t sticking. So you try again: more flashcards, more repetition, more stress. But what if the problem isn’t you—what if it’s the way you’re studying?
That’s where my lab comes in! (Shameless plug).
In the Optimal Learning Lab at the University of Memphis, we study how people learn best, especially when using flashcards or to memorize things like foreign language vocabulary. Learning can be optimized, just like a well-tuned playlist or workout plan. You don’t need to study harder—you need to study smarter.
What Is Adaptive Practice?
Imagine a flashcard system that knows when you're about to forget a word—and shows it to you at the perfect time, right before it fades. That’s what adaptive practice does. It’s a system that adjusts what you study and when, based on how strong your memory is at that moment.
Instead of reviewing everything over and over, this system focuses on:
What you’re most likely to forget
What will give you the biggest learning boost
When your brain is most ready to lock it in
In a 2005 study, Pavlik and Anderson tested how students learned Japanese words through spaced practice. They found that:
If you review something too soon, it doesn’t help much.
If you review it too late, you’ve already forgotten it.
But if you review it at the right time, it sticks better—and longer.
Their model could actually predict the best time to study each word based on your memory strength. This is where flashcards become more than just repetition—they become precision tools.
Why This Matters for Language Learners
Let’s say you’re learning Spanish. You add “comer” (to eat), “vivir” (to live), and “azúcar” (sugar) to your flashcards. Some are easier for you, some harder. But you review all of them the same way.
With adaptive practice, your study system would notice:
You always remember “comer”—so it shows up less.
You keep mixing up “azúcar”—so it appears more often.
And “vivir”? It gets spaced out just right to keep it solid.
This makes your study sessions more efficient. You don’t waste time on what you already know, and you don’t let tricky words fall through the cracks.
What We’re Doing in the Lab
At the Optimal Learning Lab, we build systems that use this research to help people learn faster and remember longer. We use tools like MoFaCTS (Mobile Fact and Concept Training System), which adapts in real time to each learner. It's open-source, customizable, and designed to apply these principles to real classrooms and learning apps. Whether you’re studying for class, trying to pass a language exam, or just learning for fun—adaptive practice can save you time, stress, and memory fatigue!
What I’m Working On!
I study how people learn languages—especially how flashcards, strategy instruction, and adaptive systems can work together to boost memory.
My research focuses on two key things: (1) how to design systems that adapt to learners over time, and (2) how to train students in effective learning strategies like retrieval practice and mnemonics. Tools like Anki or Quizlet are great, but they work best when students know how to study, not just what to study.
By combining cognitive science and real-world tools, I aim to help learners study more efficiently, retain more, and feel more in control of their learning.
