Improve Your Memory

TOP 10 MEMORY IMPROVEMENT TIPS

There are a number of tried and tested techniques for improving memory.   These strategies have been established within cognitive psychology literature and offer a number of ways to improve memory, enhance recall, and increase retention of information.

The diagram on the right shows how you can get information stored in your long term memory and how to get it back out!

1. Paying attention on the materials you are studying.    

Attention is one of the major components of memory. In order for information to move from short-term memory into long-term memory, you need to actively attend to this information.  Try to study in a place free of distractions such as television, music, and other diversions.

2. Avoid cramming by establishing regular study sessions. 

According to Bjork (2001), studying materials over a number of sessions gives you the time you need to adequately process the information. Research has shown that students who study regularly remember the material far better than those who did all of their studying in one marathon session.

3. Structure and organise the information you are studying

Researchers have found that information is organised in memory in related clusters. You can take advantage of this by structuring and organising the materials you are studying. Try grouping similar concepts and terms together, or make an outline of your notes and textbook readings to help group related concepts.

4. Utilise mnemonic devices to remember information

Mnemonic devices are a technique often used by students to aid in recall. A mnemonic is simply a way to remember information. For example, you might associate a term you need to remember with a common item that you are very familiar with. The best mnemonics are those that utilise positive imagery, humour, or novelty. You might come up with a rhyme, song or joke to help remember a specific segment of information.

5. Elaborate and rehearse the information you are studying

In order to recall information, you need to encode what you are studying into long-term memory. One of the most effective encoding techniques is known as elaborative rehearsal. An example of this technique would be to read the  definition of a key term, study the definition of that term, and then read a more detailed description of what that term means. After repeating this process a few times, your recall of the information will be far better.

6. Relate new information to things you already know

When you are studying unfamiliar material, take the time to think about how this information relates to things that you already know. By establishing relationships between new ideas and previously existing memories, you can dramatically increase the likelihood of recalling the recently learned information.

7. Visualise concepts to improve memory and recall

Many people benefit greatly from visualising the information they study. Pay attention to the photographs, charts, and other graphics in your textbooks. If you don’t have visual cues to help, try creating your own. Draw charts or figures in the margins of your notes or use highlighters or pens in different colours to group related ideas in your written study materials.

8. Teach new concepts to another person

Research suggests that reading materials out loud significantly improves memory of the material. Educators and psychologists have also discovered that having students actually teach new concepts to others enhances understanding and recall. You can use this approach in your own study by teaching new concepts and information to a friend or study partner or parent.

9. Pay extra attention to difficult information

Have you ever noticed how it's sometimes easier to remember information at the beginning  or  end of a chapter? Researchers have found that the position of information can play a role in recall, which is known as the serial position effect. While recalling middle information can be difficult, you can overcome this  problem  by  spending extra time rehearsing this information or try restructuring the information so it will be easier to remember. When you come across an especially difficult concept, devote  some  extra time to memorising the information.

10. Vary your study routine

Another great way to increase your recall is to occasionally change your study routine. If you are accustomed to studying in one specific location, try moving to a different spot to study. If you study in the evening, try to spend a few minutes each morning reviewing the information you studied the previous night. By adding an element of novelty to your study sessions, you can increase the effectiveness of your efforts and significantly improve your long-term recall.