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

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 the word frequency list as its absolute difficulty level - a higher rank in the list means it is a more common word and therefore should be learned first. The system lowers or raises the difficulty level of the 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 the learner is prompted whenever she is about to forget the word. A prototype of the 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 the benefits of a natural vocabulary learning progression, high efficiency, individualized learning sequences, and the capability for parents and teachers to monitor student learning activities and progress.