Cambridge and Memrise launch a world first in English language learning

The game 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.

The game invites learners 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, from Memrise, 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!

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

Wednesday, 2 January 2013