April 2025 Highlights
STUDENT SUCCESS
The 2-7-30 Rule: A Simple Method to Improve Adult Learning
Learning as an adult is challenging
The Science of Forgetting
Neuroscientists understand that forgetting isn't a flaw—it's a feature of how our brains work. As UC Davis memory researcher Charan Ranganath explains, "We are designed to forget." Our brains discard older memories deemed less important to make room for newer, more valuable information. Memory is essentially a competitive process.
In the 1880s, psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus documented this with his "forgetting curve," which shows a steep decline in retention during the first few days after learning, then flattens out. After a month, people typically remember only 20-30 percent of what they learned.
Spaced Repetition: The Solution
Ebbinghaus recommended spaced repetition to combat this natural forgetting. Recalling information marks it as important in your brain, helping it win the competition for limited memory space. This is why teachers encourage reviewing material multiple times before tests rather than cramming the night before.
Image: elearningindustry.com
The 2-7-30 Rule
Studying that’s spaced out vastly improves memory and recall. When learning new material, test yourself by recalling it:
Day 2: Prevents early-stage forgetting by reinforcing short-term memory.
Day 7: Moves information into medium-term storage, reducing reliance on initial cramming.
Day 30: Converts knowledge into long-term memory, making it more resilient to decay.
The 2-7-30 Rule is not a hack—it’s a scientifically validated way to learn better and remember longer. While our brains are wired to forget, we can outsmart the forgetting curve by being intentional about reinforcement. Try applying this method to your next learning goal and see the difference for yourself.
How to Apply It
For language learning, make lists of vocabulary and test yourself by translating them at these specific intervals. For books, write a one-page summary after reading, then rewrite it from memory on days 2, 7, and 30.
Set calendar reminders for these days to ensure you don't miss a session. This structured approach transforms spaced repetition from an ad hoc practice into a clear procedure with a memorable name.
If there's something you want to remember better—whether a language, professional knowledge, or book content—give the 2-7-30 method a try. Nearly 150 years of science supports that this simple technique can dramatically improve memory with minimal effort.
Adapted from articles by Terence Clarke of Terence Clarke Coaching & Jessica Stillman of INC. Magazine
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
National Poetry Month
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry’s important place in our lives.
The 2025 poster above features an excerpt from “Gate A-4”, a poem by former Young People’s Poet Laureate and Academy Chancellor Naomi Shihab Nye, as well as artwork by New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator Christy Mandin.
Mandin was selected by Scholastic—the global children’s publishing, education, and media company—to create the artwork for this year’s poster as part of a National Poetry Month collaboration with the Academy of American Poets.
AT APRIL EXHIBIT, ‘ANYTHING GOES’
By: Rachel K. Hindery
For Triton College Art Gallery Director Michael Erzen, the shift of seasons from winter to spring invites spontaneity and a seeking out of beauty. “Cool photographs at the lakefront, that can be art,” Erzen said. “Whatever means something to them, that’s expressive, that other people might enjoy – that’s art.” “It’s not only a renewal of the season but also a renewal of their spirit of adventure,” Erzen added.
The Anything Goes exhibit is in Triton College’s J-Building Fine Arts Gallery, Room J-107. The gallery is open every Monday through Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Schedule a private viewing by calling 708-456-0300 Ext. 3506.
A gallery reception takes place on April 2 between noon and 6 p.m., which Erzen said may include music or performance art. Anything Goes is a way for “artists, musicians, performers, crafters and makers to push the boundaries of visual art forms, exploring their creative intersections,” Erzen said.
That means cosplay costumes, jewelry, quilting and “sculptures out of bubble gum” were all welcomed. “Something that’s interesting, that people don’t think would normally go into an art gallery, I want to see. I want to celebrate people’s ideas,” he added. Erzen invited art students, Triton faculty and staff, and high school faculty members to create and exhibit their work.
Once Anything Goes leaves the exhibit, it won’t be gone forever. Erzen said he is interested in making a similarly themed show an annual tradition. And, next time you’re outside on a beautiful spring evening, appreciate it and maybe create something from it, Erzen said, adding, “I’m hoping they’re going to find art everywhere.”
A musical bonus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN2KHeEWqZM.
‘DANCE IS LIFE’: EXPERIENCE IT APRIL 9
By: Rachel K. Hindery
Kolaam means “heritage” in Serer, one of Senegal’s languages. On April 9, dancer, singer and teacher Idy Ciss will visit Triton College with Kolaam Dance to share the music and rhythms of West Africa. “I’ve been dancing for all my life,” Ciss said. “I’ve been sharing my culture of dance and music throughout traveling nationally and internationally.” Ciss has come to realize that “dance is life” and “music is a heartbeat.”
Kolaam Dance will perform in the J-Building Fine Arts Gallery, Room J-107 between 1 and 2 p.m. This free event is part of Triton’s Global Music Series, which brings artists from Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music to campus.
Whatever your heritage, Ciss said you’ll be honored from the first dance – a welcoming dance that’s originally from Liberia in West Africa. “They will feel welcomed like they’re in their own home,” he said. Ciss said Senegal has many ethnic groups, each with its own language. “We appreciate the differences, but we amplify the similarities,” he said.
“The drums speak the language,” Ciss said. “When you combine them, that’s the culture of Senegal – how people live, how they live as a community together.” “From farming or fishing and initiation to celebrating festivities, the culture of Senegal is to celebrate from when a child is born to when somebody makes a transition,” he added.
In all parts of life, Ciss said to pursue what brings you joy. “If that’s your passion, follow it and respect it,” he said. “This is what I want to do. I’m committed to it, because it’s fun, it’s easy, but it’s hard work, just like any other work.”
Learn more about Kolaam Dance at kolaamdance.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/Kolaam.Dance/.