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21 ways to improve your memory
1. Organize:
list facts in alphabetical or chronological order. Get a general idea of the
textbook material, note the simple to complex and general to specific logical
facts are easier to remember.
2. Make
it meaningful: look for connections in what you are studying, for example,
packing a parachute by itself can be boring, however, the excitement of jumping
out of a plane gives a whole new meaning to this process. Focusing on the “Big
picture” helps provide meaning to the learning process and stimulate us to
remember.
3. Create
associations: associate something new with something you already know. This
creates a building process in your memory bank. If you already know a Bill
Smith think of the Bill you know and associate him with the new Bill Smith.
4. Learn
it actively: people remember 90 percent of what they do, 75 percent of what
they see and twenty percent of what they hear. This saying is very accurate, as
action is a proven memory enhancer. Move your hands, pace back and forth and use
gestures as you recite a passage. If your body is actively involved it will
help you to remember.
5. Relax:
eating proper foods, avoiding caffeine before an exam and getting proper
exercise will help you relax and feel more confident. Relaxing will enhance
your ability to recall facts faster, with more clarity and you will feel better
overall.
6. Create
pictures: draw diagrams, make up cartoons. Use them to connect facts and
illustrate relationships. When abstract concept can be “seen” they are much
easier to remember. You can be as creative as you want, as long as you
understand you scribble.
7. Recite
and repeat: when you repeat something out loud you anchor the concept better by
using two or more of your senses. Repetition is the “Mother” of learning. If
you use more than one sense you create a “synergistic” effect which is powerful
memory technique. If you recite out loud in your own words, memory is enhanced
even more!
8. Writing
note to ourselves help us to remember. If we write down an idea or a passage
several times, in different areas, we increase our chances to remember.
9. Reduce
interference: find an area free from distractions. Studies show that most
students study more effectively in a quite area I 1 hour than in a noisy area
in 2 hours.
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10.
Over-learn: when you think you got it don’t
quit. Don’t miss a chance to review just one more time ever hear the expression
“I beat the subject to death” Do it!
11.
Review notes the same day: studies prove that in
order for us to store more information “long term” it must be reviewed within
24 hours or less. By getting in the habit of same day review. We increase the
chances of remembering by over 70 percent!
12.
Use daylight: this method is particularly
effective for weekend study and review. Study the most difficult subjects
during daylight hours. For many students the early morning hours can be
especially productive and will stimulate the memory process.
13.
Distribute learning: research suggests marathon
study sessions (3 hrs. or more) are not as effective as light study sessions
(1-2hrs.) which was distributed at different times during the week. Take
frequent breaks. Some students can study 50 minutes or more, others need to
stop after 30 minutes. Try to distribute your length of study in the same
rhythm as your classes (50/10/50). Give yourself rewards, you’ve earned it!
14.
Keep a positive attitude: studies prove that if
you repeat to yourself negative feelings about a subject you increase your
chances to fail! Since we all want to succeed, “Trash negative” and replace
with “Positive thoughts”. For example, replace “I can’t do it” with “It is not
easy but I am tough and I accept this challenge”. Prove you can and you will!
This is a self-fulfilling prophecy as attitude directly affects the memory!
15.
Go on an “information diet”: just as we avoid
certain foods, we choose what not to retain. Extract core concepts, study what
you will be tested on, abbreviate large passage of information into easy to
digest phrases, this will help you remember.
16.
Combine memory technique: all the memory
techniques work better when combined. You can overlearn a formula, sing about a
famous person, think positive thoughts about subjects, use sight, sound and
other methods to sharpen your memory.
17.
Remember something else: when you are stuck and
can’t remember, think of something related to the information. For example, if
you cannot remember a name think of what a person did, what period the lived or
who they associated with. Write down what you do know and soon it will trigger
facts that you are trying to recall. This technique really works!
18.
Note when you don’t remember: if you try some
memory techniques that do not seem to work, it’s alright. Try an experiment
with other techniques and use what is best for you and not works for a class
mate. Be a reporter, get the facts, find out what works and what doesn’t.
congratulate and reward yourself when you do remember.
19.
Use it before you loose it: information stored
in the long term memory may become difficult to recall if you don’t use it.
Simply read it, write it speak about it and/ or apply i. this specially
effective when you have to recall formulas or facts from a previous course. The
101 course information may be used in 102 course. Therefore, retain your notes,
the old text, and keep the information fresh with a review.
20.
Affirmation of your good memory helps you to
remember: when you are sharp and recall all the facts, accept compliments! When
you do not recall the facts, think that you know it, you can remember, and the
facts will come to you. You may have to use various techniques to help you
remember but never give up! You truly “never forget”. Those facts will
eventually “come to you”. Keep studying, try again and they will!
21. Remember that above all, having creative minds and sharp brains in your circle of friends also helps!
