Effective Memorization Techniques, Lecture notes of Psychology of learning

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EFFECTIVE MEMORIZATION

TECHNIQUES

Why is this Important?



Memory is like a muscle - the more it is used, the better it gets!



Learning effective memorizing strategies can help improve

your efficiency with a variety of tasks, including:

 Studying for a Test

 Memorizing Lines

 Memorizing a Speech

 Remembering names, phone numbers, passwords, zip codes, recipes,

complicated procedures, etc.

 …The possibilities are endless!

Create Associations

 (^) Memory is a network of neurons. The brain learns by associating new information with existing information. It adds new networks to existing networks of neurons.  (^) What does this mean?  (^) Linking the information to familiar ideas, personal experiences, or physical senses is the most powerful means of memorization.  (^) A similarly beneficial technique is linking together the information you wish to memorize.  (^) For Example: If you are trying to remember items on a grocery list, such as corn, bananas, potatoes, and milk, associate the items together in a visualization.  (^) Use your imagination! Funny or peculiar things are easier to remember than normal ones.  (^) Example: “Cornanasilk” = Corn, Bananas, Milk

Use Repetition…Use Repetition

 Repetition is one of the most basic learning techniques. Infants use it to learn to

speak. Athletes use it to perfect athletic skills.

 Repetition helps the brain to form a stronger connection related to that piece of

information.

 People can only hold an average of 5-9 pieces of information in their short term

memory at a time, therefore concentrating on only a few pieces of data at a time is

important.

 Repetition Tips

 (^) Make flashcards  (^) Re-read material out loud  (^) Break data into clusters  (^) Write lecture summaries

Acronym and Acrostic Cont.



Steps to creating useful acronyms and acrostics:

 Decide what portions of the content need to be memorized and if there

are logical groupings for this content.

 Create a sentence/word that has a rhythm and that makes sense.

 Use a word or symbol that is relevant to the overall subject matter.



Examples:

Make a Rhyme or a Song

 Rhythm, melody, and rhyme can all aid memory

 Many ancient Greek stories were told by storytellers who

would rely solely on their memories. The use of rhyme,

rhythm, and repetition helped the storytellers remember them.

 (^) You can use the same techniques to better remember information from courses. For example, even the simple addition of familiar rhythm and melody can help. Do you remember learning the alphabet? Many children learn the letters of the alphabet to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.“

 Using these techniques can be fun, particularly for people who

like to create. Rhymes and songs draw on your auditory

memory and may be particularly useful for those who can learn

tunes, songs, or poems easily.

Study Skills Cont.

 (^) Weekly reviews

 Each week, dedicate a day and time to review.

 Don’t procrastinate! Learning information takes time, so plan ahead.

 (^) Prioritize your assignments

 When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task.

You’ll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best.

 (^) Get rest

 Rest is one of the most important factors that impacts the way the brain works and

the quality of how it works. The body needs 7-8 hours of sleep per day.

 Power naps are effective in refreshing the mind.

Have a Positive Mental Attitude

 Set yourself up to be successful.  If you can see progress in your learning, you are more likely to stick with it.  (^) Do your studying when you are at your mental best.  Have confidence in yourself; know that you can accomplish the goals you set.