An Interactive Vocabulary Learning System Based on Word Frequency Lists and Ebbinghaus' Curve of Forgetting

Abstract

This paper proposes an interactive English vocabulary learning system that is geared to individual student's vocabulary learning objectives and vocabulary ability. The system uses a word's rank in word frequency list as its absolute difficulty level - a higher rank in list means it is a more common word and therefore should be learned first. The system lowers or raises difficulty level of vocabulary items displayed according to real-time assessment of a student's vocabulary ability. Temporarily mastered words re-appear according to Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve so that learner is prompted whenever she is about to forget word. A prototype of system is nicknamed the vocabulary treadmill and hosted on a website. It can be also be implemented on PDAs, cell phones and tablet PCs. The system has benefits of a natural vocabulary learning progression, high efficiency, individualized learning sequences, and capability for parents and teachers to monitor student learning activities and progress.