Don’t know about you, but when we were kids we loved the memory game! You know the one where there are loads of cards placed face down and you have to take turns to turn two over until you find two that matched?
So we’re not suggesting that you revert to childhood games to train your brain, but here are 10 great tips to help you remember important information when you’re studying:
1. FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION
In order for information to move from short-term memory into long-term memory, you need to actively focus this information. Try to study in a place free of distractions such as television, music, and other diversions.
2. AVOID LAST MINUTE CRAMMING
Study materials over a number of sessions gives you the time you need to adequately process information. You’ll remember it better we promise!
3. STRUCTURE AND ORGANISE INFORMATION
Your memory clusters together similar information, so try grouping similar concepts and terms together to remember them better.
4. USE MNEMONIC DEVICES
This means associating a term you need to remember with a common item that you are very familiar with.
5. USE ELABORATE REHEARSAL
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, this will help your recall.
6. VISUALISE CONCEPTS
Draw pictures, draw charts, use highlighters or colours in your study notes.
7. RELATE NEW INFORMATION TO THINGS YOU ALREADY KNOW
Establish relationships between what you’re learning with things you’ve seen in the work place, on the news or that have cropped up in conversations.
8. TALK TO YOURSELF
Reading information out loud significantly improves your chance of remembering the material (probably best if you do this in your own space- see point one).
9. VARY YOUR ROUTINE
Occasionally switch up the time of day and place you learn, this improves your long term recall.
10. GET SOME SLEEP (THIS IS OUR FAVOURITE ONE)
One study actually found that sleeping after learning something new actually leads to physical changes in the brain, can actually help you learn faster and remember better. Like you needed an excuse to nap!
These may not all work for you, but worth a try to see what suits your learning style best. Good luck!