Cambridge and Memrise launch a world first in English language learning

The project is the brainchild of Cambridge lexicographers from Cambridge Dictionaries Online (CDO) working with experts in neuroscience and one of the world's 122 Grand Masters of Memory. Together we have created a Memrise course with 1,000 words and phrases for English learners at upper intermediate level, based on the Common European Framework levels for English vocabulary.

The Cambridge Upper Intermediate English course is the world's first English vocabulary course to pair the ground-breaking learning techniques developed by Memrise co-founders, neuroscientist Greg Detre and Grand Master of Memory Ed Cooke, with the extensive research on vocabulary levels carried out by Cambridge lexicographers. 

With the new course, learners of English will be able to cultivate their own 'garden of learning' in which they 'plant' English words and phrases in their short term memory, before 'harvesting' them to long term memory and 'watering' (reviewing) them there. As the learner 'plants' a word in their Memrise garden, they are encouraged to create a 'mem' – an image, rhyme, or other vivid association – that helps the brain to recall the word when needed. The vivid imagery, adaptive testing and scientifically scheduled reminders combine to make learning speedy, long-lasting and highly engaging.

Ed Cooke explains: "We're very excited to have the chance to unite our ground breaking learning tech with the extraordinary content the Cambridge lexicographers have developed. We think it's a killer combo, and we look forward to learners devoting untold hours to the expansion of their English vocabularies!

The course is available for a limited time for free to anyone who registers for it, after which new visitors will pay approximately £10/$16 for access (the course is available globally).

Click here to explore the course and start your own word gardens. 

Friday, 14 December 2012