Frequently asked questions
Learning is a neurological process where neurons in the brain form and strengthen connections when exposed to new information. However, these connections can weaken over time, leading to forgetting (Ebbinghaus, 1885). The longer the gap between learning sessions, the more likely it is for students to forget what they have learned.
Neuroscientific research indicates that learning involves synaptic plasticity, where repeated exposure to information reinforces neural pathways (Bliss & Lomo, 1973). The hippocampus, a region crucial for memory formation, plays a key role in consolidating new information, but without reinforcement, these connections can weaken and eventually be pruned away (Dudai, 2004). This is why frequent exposure to learning materials is necessary to keep these pathways strong.
For students, especially beginners, regular exposure and repetition are crucial for reinforcing neural connections. Learning follows the Hebbian principle: "neurons that fire together, wire together" (Hebb, 1949). If a student does not engage with learned material frequently, these neural circuits may not form effectively, leading to weak retention. This is why I recommend at least 2 to 3 classes per week, ensuring that learning remains continuous and effective (Brown, Roediger, & McDaniel, 2014).
Additionally, studies in cognitive load theory suggest that learning is more effective when information is broken into manageable chunks over multiple sessions rather than being crammed into infrequent, longer sessions (Sweller, 1988). When students space out their learning, their brains have time to process, encode, and store the information more effectively in long-term memory.
When students go for extended periods without reinforcing learned material, their brain's synaptic connections weaken, making recall and retrieval of information much harder. This phenomenon is backed by Hebbian learning principles, which state that neurons that fire together wire together (Hebb, 1949). Without frequent activation, neural connections undergo synaptic pruning, a process where unused connections degrade over time to optimize brain efficiency (Huttenlocher, 1990).
Spaced repetition, a cognitive learning technique, combats this natural decay by strengthening these neural pathways at optimal intervals (Cepeda et al., 2008). This approach has been shown to significantly enhance long-term memory retention by leveraging the brain's ability to consolidate information into durable memory traces in the hippocampus (Dudai, 2004). In contrast, long gaps between learning sessions contribute to accelerated forgetting, as the brain deprioritizes information that isn't frequently retrieved or used.
The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve (Ebbinghaus, 1885) demonstrates that forgetting occurs rapidly without reinforcement, with memory retention dropping dramatically within the first few days of learning. By consistently re-engaging with material through spaced learning sessions, students can counteract memory decay, ensuring stronger recall and better cumulative knowledge retention over time.
Would you like me to integrate more practical applications of spaced repetition in the explanation?
For example, if a student only has class once a week with a 7-day gap, it becomes difficult to build upon previously learned material, as their brain has already lost some of the connections necessary for retention. Frequent practice keeps these neural pathways strong and allows for progressive learning (Karpicke & Roediger, 2008).
The process of learning is directly linked to how often information is reinforced. When a student learns something new, their brain creates neural pathways to store that information. However, if these pathways are not reinforced through repetition, they gradually weaken, leading to forgetting (Shing et al., 2010).
Research in educational neuroscience confirms that:
Learning occurs when neurons connect and strengthen (Hebb, 1949).
Forgetting happens when these connections weaken over time due to lack of repetition (Ebbinghaus, 1885).
The longer a student goes without reviewing or practicing, the faster the memory fades (Murre & Dros, 2015).
Regular exposure and review prevent the loss of learning and ensure steady progress.
This is why I strongly recommend at least two to three classes per week—to prevent learning loss and maximize retention.
Neuroscientific studies show that repetitive learning strengthens synaptic efficacy through long-term potentiation (LTP), a process where neurons increase their ability to communicate effectively when stimulated frequently (Bliss & Collingridge, 1993).
Without sufficient reinforcement, the brain undergoes synaptic pruning, where unused neural pathways are eliminated to optimize efficiency (Huttenlocher, 1990).
Furthermore, the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which play key roles in memory consolidation, require consistent activation to transition information from working memory to long-term storage (Squire & Dede, 2011).
By attending multiple classes per week, students reinforce their learning, reducing the likelihood of cognitive decay and ensuring smoother retrieval of information when needed.
Yes. I recommend starting with at least two or three classes per week. Once I evaluate the student's progress, I will determine whether we need to increase or reduce the frequency. My goal is to tailor learning to each student’s needs, ensuring steady improvement without overwhelming them.
However, if you want to see real and consistent progress, I ask that you trust my professional judgment regarding scheduling and class frequency.
Yes! I have posted demo class videos on my website so you can get an overview of my teaching style and methodology. You can also find additional details about my approach to teaching and how I ensure students get the best learning experience.
Additionally, you can contact me directly via WeChat or Telegram to ask questions, discuss your child's learning needs, or book demo and regular classes. Feel free to reach out for personalized recommendations, scheduling assistance, or any inquiries related to my teaching methodology. I am available to guide you through the registration process and ensure a seamless learning experience for your child.