MEMORY TECHNIQUES

TIPS/IDEAS/SUGGESTIONS Learn from the general to the specific – get big picture or concepts first. This will make understanding of details easier Create associations – your mind is similar to a filing cabinet. Try to make connections with previous knowledge or concepts Learn it actively- talk out loud, move around Relax – much more difficult to retain info when stressed, start studying early

Create pictures – diagrams and sketches allow us to tap our visual learner and helps to organize Recite and repeat – common memory device Write it down in your own words – causes you to think about the information, can create ‘cheat sheets’ Distribute learning – marathon study sessions are not effective for recall. Shorter more effective sessions are better than longer exhausting session. Use it before you lose it – info in the long term memory needs to be accessed frequently or it will become harder to get. Keep re-visiting the information. Make use of mind maps

What are mind maps Mind mapping (or concept mapping) involves writing down a central idea and thinking up new and related ideas which radiate out from the centre. By focussing on key ideas written down in your own words, and then looking for branches out and connections between the ideas, you are mapping knowledge in a manner which will help you understand and remember new information.

How to Mind Map in Seven Steps... 1.Start in the centre of a blank page – Turn the page sideways – Your brain has more freedom to spread out in all directions 2.Use an image or picture for your central idea – An Image is worth a thousand words – It stimulates your imagination – It is more interesting – It keeps you focused – It helps you concentrate 3.Use colours throughout – Colours are exciting to the brain – Colours add vibrancy and life to your Mind Map – Colours add energy to your creative thinking

4.Connect main branches to the central image – Connect second and third level branches – The brain works by association – The brain likes to link things together – Linking the branches creates structure 5.Make your lines curved – Straight lines are boring – Curved branches are attractive 6.Use one key word per line – Single Key Words give your Mind Map more power and flexibility – Each word or image creates its own associations and connections – Each Key Word is able to spark off new ideas and thoughts – Phrases dampen this triggering effect 7. Use images throughout – Each image is worth a thousand words – 10 images will give you words!