Trying to find techniques to study and remember? Here are some effective tips to study and memorize for your test or final exam.
Memorizing is many people’s kryptonite, not that I can blame them because it certainly isn’t my strength either. Study and memorize are two terms that usually go hand-in-hand when it comes to education. However, forcing yourself to memorize facts will not help you gain the most crucial part of studying, which is comprehension. Plus, frankly speaking, it’s boring as hell, too.
To gain the most from your education, you should be able to have fun studying as it lets you discover new stuff and explore different ideas. Most students today, whether subconsciously or consciously, do rote memorization.
It’s a technique where you remember by repeating the facts as many times as possible. Truth is, it isn’t the most effective and smartest method. Still, everyone has a different approach, so it’s important to find which method or combination works best for you.
10 Best Ways To Study and Memorize
For exams, memorization is typically the go-to trick of the majority. Instead of boosting your memorization skills for exams, why not learn how to use your memory effectively while you study? How about that, huh? Sounds promising? Here are 10 ways to study and memorize better:
1. Create an organized study space
For you to improve your memory, you need to focus first. Any distractions will hinder this, so when studying, make sure your space is free from clutters and has all the review materials you need for studying. Organizing your study space also helps you prioritize properly and study with a clearer mind.
2. Try visualization
The method of “Loci” is based on the foundation of visualization. This technique is where, for instance, you visualize a house then associate the rooms in the house with a bit of information. So, when your brain receives new information, it should be stored in a new room.
When recalling a chemical formula, visualize opening a drawer. Likewise, you can open a ‘closet’ to know the names of the bones in the feet. Linking each bit of information with a physical item within a familiar place helps your brain store information. This is how the Magnetic Memory Method or “Loci” works.
3. Recite instead of just reading
Don’t care if it makes you look a bit looney? Then try speaking your notes out loud. You’d be surprised by how much information you can remember after using this hack. Just make sure to do it in your room or dorms, where there’s no crowd. You don’t want to embarrass yourself nor disturb others with your loud voice.
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4. Use acronyms
Acronyms are the most widely used memory trick. It’s best used for remembering short lists or sequences. You’ve likely learned “PEMDAS” (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction) in school before. Acronyms are easier to remember because they are created according to the first letter of each constituent word. Plus, they actually sound like words.
5. Read on paper
According to 94% of college students on a poll, they like studying through paper since it’s easier to focus and they’re free to highlight and write side notes on the margins. Unlike digital copies, reading on paper helps with spatial memory, in which you can remember a certain bit of information by where it was written on the paper.
Furthermore, paper eliminates one of the major distractions of students: the internet. Without a mobile device or computer, you cannot access the internet, hence, you won’t be tempted away from the much-needed study time. More importantly, this breaks your focus, and focus is crucial to retaining memory.
6. Regular study sessions
Regularly reviewing your material will train your mind better in remembering what you have studied with more accuracy. This helps slow down the deterioration of your memory as time passes.
Also, make sure to take notes for your lecture, list down any questions you have, and ask your professor ASAP. Before your exams, create flashcards and review them every few days, rather than cramping them in the last 24 hours.
7. Teach what you’ve studied
Also called “active reiteration”, this “teaching-learning” technique helps you embed the facts you’ve read into your mind. Reiterating what you’ve learned compels you to summarize, condense, research, and create conclusions, which then encourages a deeper personal understanding. This trick is ideal for university students since college education focuses more on analysis.
8. Draw diagrams
Are you into drawing these days? If so, then might as well put that into even better use. Drawing diagrams helps you visualize information that is hard to describe. As a result, it constructs a visual memory in your mind that you can recall during exams. Besides, one of your exams might require you to draw or label diagrams, so this will surely come in handy.
9. Study in other locations
Our memory can be triggered by various factors in our environment. If you’re having difficulty remembering the material you’ve been studying for an hour, consider going to a new spot. Doing so may help the information stand out in your mind.
10. Sleep and exercise
Our brain functions best when it’s in its best condition. Often, before sleep or right after exercise are the perfect times to get the most out of our brain’s memorization and learning skills. According to research, people who study before sleeping or napping tend to have higher hippocampus activity, which is the part of the brain that creates memories. In other words, it boosts your memory recall. Exercise, on the flip side, has been found to encourage the production of a protein found in the brain that preps it for optimum learning and creative thinking. So, make sure to time your sleep and don’t forget to exercise.
The thing is, learning isn’t plainly about memorization. It’s important to understand that good study habits AND good memory techniques are the killer combination.
This will help ensure that you aren’t just memorizing your study material, but also working on developing a deeper comprehension of the subject. With those methods above, hopefully, in time, you can make your study sessions even more productive. Good luck!
READ: 11 Tips On How To Be Productive Studying At Night
Understanding the Basics of Study and Memorization
Effective studying and memorization are critical for success in education and beyond. To achieve these goals, it’s essential to understand the basics of memory and how it works.
Memory can be divided into short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM). STM is temporary and can only hold a limited amount of information for a short period. LTM, on the other hand, is permanent and can store vast amounts of information for extended periods.
Working memory is a type of STM that allows individuals to hold and manipulate information in their minds for short periods. It’s essential for problem-solving and decision-making.
Encoding is the process of converting information into a form that can be stored in memory. Semantic encoding is one of the most effective ways to encode information. It involves relating new information to existing knowledge and creating meaningful connections.
Effective studying involves creating an environment that promotes learning, setting goals, and actively engaging with the material. It’s essential to break down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks and use techniques such as repetition, summarizing, and self-testing to aid memorization.
Overall, understanding the basics of memory and effective studying techniques can help individuals achieve their educational and personal goals.
Case Studies: Study Techniques from MIT and Harvard
MIT and Harvard are two of the most prestigious universities in the world, and their students are known for their exceptional study habits. Here are a few techniques that students from these universities use to study and memorize effectively:
Active Learning
MIT and Harvard both emphasize active learning, which involves engaging with the material instead of just passively reading or listening. This can include taking notes, asking questions, and participating in discussions. By actively engaging with the material, students are more likely to remember it and understand it on a deeper level.
Spaced Repetition
Both universities also recommend spaced repetition, which involves reviewing material at regular intervals over a period of time. This helps to reinforce the material in the student’s memory and prevent forgetting. Students can use flashcards, quizzes, or other tools to implement spaced repetition.
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique that involves working for a set period of time (usually 25 minutes) and then taking a short break. This can help students stay focused and avoid burnout. MIT and Harvard both recommend this technique for studying.
Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is a visual technique for organizing information. It involves drawing a diagram with the main topic in the center and branching out to subtopics and details. This can help students see the connections between different pieces of information and remember them more easily.
Collaborative Learning
Both universities also emphasize collaborative learning, which involves working with others to understand and remember the material. This can include group discussions, study groups, or peer teaching. By explaining concepts to others, students can reinforce their own understanding and remember the material more effectively.
Overall, these study techniques from MIT and Harvard can be effective for students at any level. By engaging with the material actively, spacing out their study sessions, using time management techniques, visualizing information, and working with others, students can improve their memory and retention of information.
READ: 15 Good Habits Of Every Productive And Successful Student
Common Mistakes of Studying and How to Avoid Them
Studying and memorizing effectively is not an easy task, and many students make common mistakes that hinder their progress. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Cramming
Cramming is a common mistake that many students make. This is when they try to learn everything in a short period, usually the night before an exam. This is not an effective way to study because the brain needs time to process and retain information.
To avoid cramming, students should create a study schedule that allows them to study a little bit every day. This will help the brain retain information better, and students will be less stressed when it comes time for exams.
Comprehension
Another common mistake that students make is not understanding the material they are studying. Simply memorizing information without understanding it will not help in the long run.
To avoid this mistake, students should try to understand the material they are studying. They can do this by asking questions, taking notes, and reviewing the material regularly.
Concentration
Concentration is key when it comes to studying effectively. Many students make the mistake of studying in a distracting environment, such as in front of the TV or with friends.
To avoid this mistake, students should find a quiet place to study where they can concentrate. They should also turn off their phone and other distractions to help them focus.
Repetition
Repetition is an effective way to memorize information, but many students make the mistake of repeating the same information over and over again.
To avoid this mistake, students should use different techniques to help them remember information. For example, they can use flashcards, mnemonics, or practice problems to help them retain information better.
By avoiding these common mistakes, students can study and memorize more effectively, which will help them succeed in school and beyond.
READ: 10 Easy Tips And Tricks To Speed Read To Study Faster
Frequently Asked Questions For Studying
What are some effective memory strategies for studying?
There are several effective memory strategies for studying, including repetition, visualization, and association. Repetition involves repeating information over and over again until it is memorized. Visualization involves creating mental images to help remember information. Association involves connecting new information to existing knowledge to make it easier to remember.
How can I memorize notes quickly and effectively?
To memorize notes quickly and effectively, it is important to break the information down into smaller chunks and focus on one section at a time. Using mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or rhymes, can also be helpful. Additionally, practicing active recall by testing yourself on the information can improve retention.
What are some proven memorization techniques for students?
Proven memorization techniques for students include the use of flashcards, summarizing information in your own words, and teaching the information to someone else. Additionally, using spaced repetition, where you review the information at increasing intervals over time, can improve retention.
What are the most effective methods of memorization in psychology?
Some of the most effective methods of memorization in psychology include elaborative rehearsal, which involves relating new information to existing knowledge, and the method of loci, which involves associating information with specific locations in a familiar environment. Additionally, using retrieval practice, where you actively recall the information, can improve retention.
How can I improve my ability to remember what I study for exams?
To improve your ability to remember what you study for exams, it is important to use active learning techniques, such as summarizing, teaching, and testing yourself on the information. Additionally, getting enough sleep and exercise, managing stress, and using effective study strategies, such as breaking information into smaller chunks, can improve retention.
What are some tips for studying and retaining information effectively?
Some tips for studying and retaining information effectively include creating a study schedule, using active learning techniques, taking breaks, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, using mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or rhymes, and practicing retrieval practice can improve retention
These are great ideas, my problem is focusing.