Tips for improving memory

What is the best way to memorize? We could all use better recall so here are some basic tips on how you might improve that part of your brain. The first tip is repetition or revision. Repetition helps the brain to form a stronger connection related to that piece of information. For students, the best method of memorizing what they learnt at the class room is to revise them within next three to four hours.

Repeat the necessary details until you have them memorized and can repeat them without looking. Then do another group. Repeat both groups until you have them committed to memory. The best way to memorize something like a speech how ever is to take the clustering idea and group parts of your speech or at least key ideas in each section and then attempt to associate them with something familiar.

The trick to this is making sure you associate with something that is easy for you to remember. It doesn't help if the association is also something that you have trouble recalling. Then as you go through your speech you think about each association and the idea that goes with it as you work through the topic.

A little girl who is still studying in the grade four has memorized her entire Buddhism text book in two months without knowing that she has been following the revision or repetition technique. If you are looking for a way to increase the capacity of your memory or pass a test, you do not need to memorize all those words. But the technique can be used to memorize anything. Below is the simpler version of this system.

1. First, use a pencil to write complete sentences in short form, any fact you think might appear on the test. Using short sentences is essential because they are easier to remember. This is known as taking short notes.

2. Take your written notes into a quiet room, shut the door and eliminate all distractions.

3. Read out the first sentence in your notes loud. Then, close your eyes and read the sentence without looking at it.

4. Repeat the step above, this time with the first two sentences.

5. Next, try it with three sentences. Then four. Repeat until you have memorized every sentence in your notes.

After a study session, take a quick nap. New memories are very vulnerable, but studies have shown that sleep helps your new memories stick. After your nap, repeat the memory technique once more for maximum retention.

There are lots of students who have become so good at this technique that they could complete all their studying for any information heavy mid-term or final exam in less than six hours. Yes of course, this might sound like a lot of time, but it is not - because this technique works from a cold start, even if you have not cracked the book all semester. But ignore studying at the last minute. If your academic goals are moderate, you can get by with less studying and fewer notes. Take breaks whenever fatigue sets in. Eat a snack.

Have a glass of water. It helps.

As was stated before, for a history test, you might have to memorize dates; names of people, places, and events; and definitions of terms. For a science test, you may have to memorize types of rocks, steps of the scientific method, or elements on the periodic table.

It could seem like an impossible task! But if you use these additional tips shown below, you'll be able to remember long lists of facts - just in time to ace the test.

*Break down the facts. Breaking down facts mean splitting the facts that you need to memorize into smaller categories.

Then you'll have an easier time keeping them in your head. Although the ideas might interconnect, you'll be able to understand how they interconnect much better after you have basics memorized.

* Tackle just a few facts at a time. Memorize three or four facts, and then test yourself on them. When you're sure you've gotten them memorized, add a couple more and retest yourself. You may want to break down your lists into smaller lists, testing yourself after you finish each smaller list.

For example, you can break down a list of dates into "dates from before the Civil War," "dates from during the Civil War," and "dates from after the Civil War."

*Listen to the facts while you are travelling in the bus or car by using the ear-phone. Small record player will help you to play back the facts that you have recorded while listening to a lecture.

* Study with a friend which is commonly known as the combined studies. Although you will have to make sure to stay on the task, studying with a friend can make memorizing facts fun! One can read a book aloud and the other can ask the questions to clarify the facts clearly. This method will help you effectively to memorize facts.

* When you've finished memorizing all of the facts, reward yourself. Eat a snack, relax with a book, or call a friend for a little while.