20 Memory techniques Organize it Makes it easier to find information. 1. Learn from general to the specific. Before reading an assignment, skim through for the general idea.

2. Make it meaningful Know what you want from your education. When information helps you get something you want, it’s easier to remember.

3. Create Associations You can recall new data more effectively if you store it near similar data.

Use your Body: 4. Learn it once, actively. 90% of what we do, 75% of what we see, and 20% of what we hear. Action is a great memory enhancer. Try studying standing up. Pace back and forth. Get your whole body involve while you study.

5. Relax Absorb information quickly and recall it with greater ease and accuracy. Harder to recall information while under stress. Can be relax and active at the same time.

6. Create pictures Draw diagrams or make cartoons. Use images to connect facts and illustrate relationships.

#7. Recite and Repeat Repeating something affects two senses. Recite out loud and put concepts into your own words. Repetition blazes a path.

#8. Write it down Write it down many times. Reveals gaps missed by oral reviews. Remember what you do.

Use your brain: #9. Reduce interference Find a quiet place that is free from distractions. 2 hours in front of t.v. might be worth 10 minutes of studying where it is quiet.

10. Overlearn Learn more than you need to know about a subject.

11. Escape the short-term memory trap Short term memory can fade away after a few minutes. Short review can move short term memory to long term memory. Quick minireview can save you hours.

12. Use daylight Some people can study better during daylight hours. Study hardest subjects first.

13. Distribute learning Experiment with shorter, spaced-out sessions. Study for 2 hours or least and then wash the dishes. Then go back a study for another 2 hours.

14. Be aware of attitudes Your attitude can affect your desire to study a subject. If you think a subject is boring then you may not do well in that subject.

15. Choose what not to store in memory Decide what’s essential to remember. Choose what is important to remember, like what will be on the test.

16. Combine memory techniques Memory techniques work even better when you combine them.

Recall it: Remember something else. If you can’t remember something try to remember something that is related to it. Brainstorm by writing down related facts to help you remember.

18. Notice when you do remember Notice when you remember information easily and ask yourself what techniques did you use.

19. Use it before you lose it Make regular use of the information before it gets hard for you to use it. Write, say it, read it, listen to it, and apply it, to keep it fresh.

20. And remember, you never forget. Adopt the attitude that you never forget, but just have problems recalling the information. Intend to remember.