1. Ways to Improve Your Memory Capabilities
MEMORY TECHNIQUES
Ways to Improve Your Memory Capabilities

2. There are 2 distinct types of memory – each uses different parts of the brain:
Procedural Memory: skills and habits that have been practiced to the point where they are automatic and unconscious eg. Typing, tying shoes, riding a bike
Declarative Memory: Our general knowledge and our life experiences that we can declare or recall consciously

3. How to remember for each type of memory??
Procedural – rote rehearsal works best… much repetition is needed
Declarative – elaborative rehearsal (linking new info to something we already know) for example:
Using metaphors and analogies
Using personal life examples eg. think of some declarative and procedural memories of your own

4. Consolidation is essential for transfer of learning
Consolidation – moving a memory over time from working (short-term) memory to long term memory
New info is not “fixed” the moment it is processed – takes time to “gel” or consolidate
Learning occurs best when new info is incorporated GRADUALLY into memory over spaced intervals rather than cramming it all in at one sitting

5. How does “chunking” improve memory?
The difference between novices and experts in a field appears to be that experts tend – because of a great deal of experience in a field – to organize information into much larger chunks, while novices work with isolated bits of information.
Benjamin Bloom

6. Effective Rehearsal:
The more the info is linked to previous learning, the stronger the memory
The more modalities used to rehearse, the more paths you have for retrieval of the memory – so…. “write about it, talk about it, act it out”

7. Learn from the general to the specific
Skim the material before you read to get an overview of what you will be learning
Many students dive right in and tackle details, trying to memorize those before seeing the “big picture”
Think of viewing a huge mural
style of painting…

8. Make it meaningful
Imagine being in a class learning how to pack up your own parachute for your skydiving experience – would you pay attention? If it means something to you, you’re more likely to be involved in the learning…. How?
Find an experience you’ve already had and “hook” the information to it (hook info to an existing network of neurons)
Or, create a new experience with the new information

9. Create associations between what you’re learning and what you already know
Recalling new (or old) information is easier if it’s stored in your brain near something you already know – (my personal muscle memory story)
For example, if you meet someone named Greg, think of someone you already know with the same name, to help the name stick

10. (Five More Quick Ways to Remember Someone’s Name)
Immediately repeat the name out loud
Associate the name with a physical characteristic eg. Tall Tom, Tiny Tim
Picture the first letter of their name on their forehead
Ask them to spell their name if it’s unusual
Tell yourself you won’t forget their name

11. If you can’t remember it, remember something else
When you are stuck and can’t remember something you know you know, remember something else that is related to it.
Aunt – uncle, facts – examples

12. Learn actively People remember: 90% of what they do Stand up
75% of what they see
20% of what they hear
Stand up
Sit on the edge of your seat
Walk around and recite what you’re learning

13. Relax Have you ever forgotten all you knew when tense?
Relaxation helps recall and learning
When we are scared or too anxious, we forget

14. Create Pix Draw diagrams, cartoons, flowcharts
Visual information is associated with a different part of the brain than verbal information. There is a better chance of recall when information is stored in two parts of the brain rather than just one.

15. Graphic organizers can be used to arrange the information in a useful and meaningful way. Creating these while you study is very helpful in internalizing the content. Following are some examples:

16. Hierarchy

17. Double cell diagram
For comparing and contrasting

18. Concept map

19. Simple Concept Map:

20. More Complex Concept Map:

21. Comparison Matrix

22. Recite and Repeat …out loud.
2 different senses will anchor the concept
Physical sensation of speaking (throat, lips, tongue)
Auditory component as well
Best if in your OWN WORDS – this forces you to think about it

23. Write it down (even if you never look at it)
Writing engages a different kind of memory than speaking. It prompts us to be more logical, coherent, & complete.
Written reviews reveal gaps that mental reviews miss
Can be a good way to prepare for tests (which are usually written, not oral)

24. Reduce interference…. Turn off the stereo and tv when you study.
If you think you study better with music, don’t use songs with lyrics – they interfere w/ retention
If it’s noisy at home, go to the library to study.
Try to study in different places for more retention

25. OVERLEARN
Don’t stop when you think you know it well enough to pass the test (especially with problem solving, this has been shown to work)
Re-do assignments, then look for more similar questions
Make up your own questions and answer them
Use old tests  best way to learn

26. Study during daylight hours (more effective)
If you think the subject is boring, remember that everything is related to everything else. Look for connections
Distribute learning – you can benefit much more from three 2-hour study sessions than in one 6-hour session
In those study sessions, take frequent breaks

27. Use it or lose it
To remember something, access it often. Each time you use that pathway, it becomes stronger and will be easier to recall that content later on.
Teach it to someone else

28. Awesome site with tons of tricks for studying: