A strong memory is one of the most valuable tools for success in school. Whether you put it to use by acing tests through recalling information from flashcards or use attention to detail to develop new skills, remembering effectively is crucial.
Still, many students (and adults!) struggle with remembering names, dates, and events. This can make studying for important classes challenging, turn memorizing presentations into a chore, and provide unnecessary stress. However, the good news is that it’s possible to improve your memory!
Memorization isn’t simply a natural talent. While some people may be better at it than others, this often comes down to incorporating specific strategies into their daily routines that enhance their memory—strategies that they might not even be aware of.
At Marks Education, we help students understand how their brains work to make learning more efficient, enjoyable, and effective. These skills are essential as students transition to college, the workforce, graduate programs, and beyond.
So, how can you be a more effective memorizer? Check out these tips!
1. Mnemonics
Mnemonics are techniques that help people associate information with words, images, or phrases, making it easier to remember.
You’re probably already familiar with mnemonic devices, for example:
- “ROY G BIV” helps us remember the order of colors in a rainbow
- “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” reminds us of the order of operations in math
- “FANBOYS” is a handy way to remember the seven coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So
But did you know you can and should make your own mnemonics?
Personal mnemonics tend to be more meaningful than any you might find online, making them easier to remember. Sharing a laugh with your friends over your funny mnemonic might be just what you need to succeed on test day.
For example, if you’re in biology class and struggling to memorize the taxonomic ranks (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, and Species), we recommend coming up with a silly sentence involving the names of your friends to help you remember, like: “Did Kaylee plant Cory’s one fine golden sandal?”
Get creative with it! You might have so much fun creating silly sayings with your friends before your next chemistry test that studying feels like a breeze.
2. Visualization
Visualizing information can transform abstract concepts into real mental images to be easily recalled. When you start paying attention, you may notice that your brain tends to think in pictures. For example, the word “huge” may bring to mind the image of a skyscraper or an elephant rather than just the letters that spell the word. So, what does this mean to you?
The mental process of linking words and concepts to images is crucial because through this linking you’re able to engage your creativity and therefore retain the information more effectively.
So have fun! Visualization can turn a dull chart from your textbook or a tedious chapter in biology into something meaningful and tangible. Visualization can mean spending some time drawing out a concept map, creating timelines of events, or finding graphs and charts that add meaning to what you’re reading. It could also mean sketching, making storyboards, building a model, or finding online materials to help you visualize the material.
3. Spaced Repetition
You wouldn’t start training for a marathon the week before the race, would you? Instead, you’d likely begin weeks in advance, logging a run here and a workout there, so that your body feels fully prepared for the race ahead. Your brain needs to be prepared in a similar way.
Instead of cramming, you should review the material at intervals. Spending just 20 minutes each month studying your flashcards is far more effective than attempting to study for hours at a time during the week before an exam. Why is this the case? Your brain thrives on consistency.
Repeated exposure to the material over time strengthens neural connections, making it less likely that you will forget what you’ve learned. So, when faced with an extensive list of terms to learn for AP Biology, AP History, or any subject, remember that this technique is particularly useful for vocabulary.
It’s much better to study like you snack– little bits here and there. Try to review your flashcards for 10 minutes before bed, while waiting for the bus, or during study hall. Any amount of time you’re willing to devote will surely make a difference!
This method is also excellent for active recall. By practicing answering questions without looking at the material, you mimic real-world scenarios, such as exams or conversations, where you need to retrieve information quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
Try these strategies and notice the difference in your life! If you’re still struggling to see results after a few weeks, contact a Marks Education tutor to gain a more comprehensive analysis of your study methods. Our tutors are experienced in helping students not only improve in individual courses, but also in the development of study skills that a student will carry with them over the course of a lifetime.
Contact us now for a free consultation.