New Research Shows Guessing Helps People Learn Languages Faster
By Education Correspondent
Learning a second language through apps is now a global trend, but new research suggests the most effective tools may share a surprisingly simple feature: they make users guess first, then reveal the answer.
A study from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has found that word–picture guessing exercises, followed by immediate feedback, significantly improve adults’ ability to remember new vocabulary.
Millions of learners use language apps that rely on this “guess-and-learn” approach, but researchers say there has been limited scientific evidence explaining why it works — until now.
Assistant Professor Steven Pan from NUS said: “Millions of people use apps with word-picture guessing tasks, but the evidence for how much they help memory has been limited. Our study shows that trying an answer first, even if you are unsure, improves learning when feedback is given.”
He added that the benefit comes from mental effort: “When you attempt an answer, your brain actively searches for meaning. Seeing the correct response straight away helps lock it in more effectively than simply reading it.”
Testing the “pretesting” effect
The approach, known in psychology as “pretesting”, involves making a guess before learning the correct answer, then receiving immediate feedback. Even incorrect guesses can help strengthen memory.
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To test this, researchers ran four controlled experiments involving 341 adults with no prior knowledge of Spanish. Participants learned vocabulary using two methods: either guessing with feedback, or simply studying word–image pairs.
They were also tested using different formats, including matching words to images and images to words — both common in language-learning apps.
Across all tests, those who guessed first consistently performed better in later memory tests than those who only studied the material.
Implications for language learners
The researchers say the findings support what many language apps already do, but with stronger scientific backing.
“Learners often avoid guessing until they feel confident, but our results show that early attempts can actually improve recall,” said Asst Prof Pan.
He added: “For anyone using apps or self-study tools, choosing exercises that encourage trying first and learning from feedback can strengthen vocabulary over time.”
The study was published in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications on 6 March 2026, and researchers hope it will help improve the design of both digital learning tools and classroom teaching methods.
