The MOSALearning method is an abbreviation of “Motivating Optimized System for Adaptive Learning”, which is MosaLingua's creation. The method is continually evolving, incorporating the latest research discoveries to create a highly effective and user-friendly approach.
MosaLingua’s effective learning method is grounded in various concepts from cognitive science and psychology. These concepts are the reason why MosaLingua is effective and also what makes this method unique. In fact, they have already assisted over 500,000 people in learning languages! Here are the basic concepts behind the method:
The Spaced Repetition System
Everyone knows that frequent review of a concept increases the likelihood of remembering it later. However, few people know the most effective way to conduct these review sessions. Reviewing the same word 10 times right before a test is the least effective way to learn, as the information will likely be forgotten within a few days. To commit information to long-term memory, review sessions need to be spaced out. The review schedule varies for each person and each concept. For example, after learning a word for the first time, review it 5 minutes later, then 7 hours later, then 3 days later, then 10 days later, and finally 1 month later until it is stored in long-term memory. This schedule is based on the forgetting curve, spacing review sessions so that information is reviewed just before it is likely to be forgotten.
Active recall
Multiple-choice questions or learning systems that require recognizing the correct answer from a list are ineffective for memorization.
To truly learn, one must extract information from memory without assistance. This is crucial for learning a new language.
MosaLingua uses a flashcard system that is more effortful but much more effective.
Regularly extracting information from memory reinforces memorization. This makes the neural pathway for accessing information faster and more reliable.
Recalling a foreign-language word or phrase from deep memory, trying to pronounce it correctly, then immediately seeing the correct response is both effective and fun. This is why millions use flashcards for learning.
Metacognition
The act of thinking of an answer and then revealing it is incomplete without the crucial component of metacognition, which is reflecting on your own thoughts. Before revealing the answer, MosaLingua asks users to evaluate their memorization (on a scale of 1 to 4). Research has shown that evaluating one's own learning is highly effective for reinforcing memory.
The Pareto principle
The Pareto principle states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. This applies to many domains, including languages:
The 100 most common words in English account for half of the written corpus. While learning only 100 words isn't sufficient, focusing on frequently used words leads to significant progress. Globish has shown it's possible to express oneself with only 1500 well-chosen words, achievable in less than 3 months with just 10 minutes per day using MosaLingua. After acquiring this base, MosaLingua offers specialized vocabulary suited to individual needs, with over 3000 words available.
The principle also applies to grammar. MosaLingua introduces phrases with simple structures that cover most cases (the 20% that apply 80% of the time). Memorizing these phrases allows the brain to extract models and adapt them to other situations, enabling effective communication without learning all grammar rules and exceptions. Learning grammar too early can hinder fluency, as there's no time to think of rules while speaking.
When learning useful content, memorization is easier. MosaLingua avoids teaching useless phrases and recommends words or phrases based on the most used words and individual needs. Users can skip words or exercises if they don't need to learn them immediately.
Learner motivation and psychology
Learning a language is a rewarding experience that requires significant effort and changes in thinking and brain function. Scientists have shown that people fluent in at least two languages have a different EEG than monolinguals, and bilingualism helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.
The primary reason for failing to learn a language is giving up, often due to poor motivation management. However, motivation can be maintained by turning work into an enjoyable habit. Additionally, many people have hidden roadblocks from their education and need to overcome false ideas about language learning.
These changes take time and must be addressed throughout the learning process. MosaLingua acknowledges individual differences in learning methods, as their team consists of experienced language teachers who have learned between 2 and 6 languages through self-study.
MosaLingua offers free learning support via email, the Web's best resources, tips, bonus material, and the learning community on their blog. They provide tools to help learners develop personalized methods tailored to their needs.