If you have to remember lots of information to pass your subject and get a good grade then having a "great memory" is a must - and let's face it, what student wouldn't love to be able to recall facts and figures without any effort at all?
But how many students actually take the time to understand how their memory works? We'd all love a brilliant memory but we spend very little time (if any) using the techniques that make this possible. Don't you ever wonder why you can remember lots of seemingly useless information but when it comes time to recall all that information you learnt in science class during the year you can't remember a thing?
The fact is that we all have a perfect memory and it functions exactly the way it is designed to function - except that we don't take the time to understand how it works.
The approach that most students take to memorization (re-reading information or repeating information many times over) is not consistent with the way that the mind creates memory recall. Nonetheless, we just keep on using this technique desperately hoping that something will stick! Unfortunately, while you may retain some small amounts of data this way, it's a really silly approach when you understand how your memory really works.
The smart approach to memory recall is to first take the time to learn how your memory works and then manipulate your memory (in a good way!) in order to recall exactly what you need to remember for that next test or exam.
In this article we are going to look at one of many possible approaches you can use to improve your memory recall. It's called the "What's in it for me" approach. This approach tells us that the more you can tie something to yourself, the better you will be able to remember it.
It's simple really. Your mind has a filter that is constantly questioning what data needs to be stored. A trigger for creating a memory is to make the information about the most important thing in your world - you.
When a piece of data from the world is relevant to you and impacts you in some way, your ability to remember it (and remember it in specific detail) is drastically increased.
It makes sense doesn't it? You remember things that impact you. You remember to buy a ticket to see that band you like. You remember the number of the bus you need to catch today. You remember the names of those people whose names you wouldn't dare forget. You remember exactly what that girl or guy you like said to you the first time you met. The point is, when it impacts you and it's important to you, you remember it.
I'm not suggesting this happens because you want it to happen. It's just a natural part of being human - it's on autopilot. When something is significant to you, the memory of it sticks. But it's not enough to understand this rule. You also need to apply it to your studies don't you? So let's see how this can help you improve your recall.
Let's say you are learning about economic trends (extremely interesting I know). Instead of just looking at economic bell curves and wondering how life could be so boring you need to make the information all about you. Economic trends impact your purchasing power which impacts the amount of money in your wallet which impacts your ability to buy that thing you really want. So does that context make economic trends easier to remember?
What about learning about different cultures, beliefs and customs than yours? If you were to think about your own culture, beliefs and customs then you can easily compare the two to each other. Now, if you compare them to yourself you will remember them wont you?
How about names and dates and details? Well how do these names, dates and details impact you? Do you know anyone else by the same name that you can link them to? Are the dates significant to you personally, or your parents, or your friends, or your country? Why do the details matter to you? By the way, if you can't think of anything just make it up. You'll be surprised that even if you create false reasons you will still remember the reasons and thus the details!
There are many ways for you to improve your memory recall. The "What's in it for me" approach is just one. But it's one that is easy to use and it really works. Identify what you need to remember and then make it about it you. You will be very surprised at what happens next. Good luck!
But how many students actually take the time to understand how their memory works? We'd all love a brilliant memory but we spend very little time (if any) using the techniques that make this possible. Don't you ever wonder why you can remember lots of seemingly useless information but when it comes time to recall all that information you learnt in science class during the year you can't remember a thing?
The fact is that we all have a perfect memory and it functions exactly the way it is designed to function - except that we don't take the time to understand how it works.
The approach that most students take to memorization (re-reading information or repeating information many times over) is not consistent with the way that the mind creates memory recall. Nonetheless, we just keep on using this technique desperately hoping that something will stick! Unfortunately, while you may retain some small amounts of data this way, it's a really silly approach when you understand how your memory really works.
The smart approach to memory recall is to first take the time to learn how your memory works and then manipulate your memory (in a good way!) in order to recall exactly what you need to remember for that next test or exam.
In this article we are going to look at one of many possible approaches you can use to improve your memory recall. It's called the "What's in it for me" approach. This approach tells us that the more you can tie something to yourself, the better you will be able to remember it.
It's simple really. Your mind has a filter that is constantly questioning what data needs to be stored. A trigger for creating a memory is to make the information about the most important thing in your world - you.
When a piece of data from the world is relevant to you and impacts you in some way, your ability to remember it (and remember it in specific detail) is drastically increased.
It makes sense doesn't it? You remember things that impact you. You remember to buy a ticket to see that band you like. You remember the number of the bus you need to catch today. You remember the names of those people whose names you wouldn't dare forget. You remember exactly what that girl or guy you like said to you the first time you met. The point is, when it impacts you and it's important to you, you remember it.
I'm not suggesting this happens because you want it to happen. It's just a natural part of being human - it's on autopilot. When something is significant to you, the memory of it sticks. But it's not enough to understand this rule. You also need to apply it to your studies don't you? So let's see how this can help you improve your recall.
Let's say you are learning about economic trends (extremely interesting I know). Instead of just looking at economic bell curves and wondering how life could be so boring you need to make the information all about you. Economic trends impact your purchasing power which impacts the amount of money in your wallet which impacts your ability to buy that thing you really want. So does that context make economic trends easier to remember?
What about learning about different cultures, beliefs and customs than yours? If you were to think about your own culture, beliefs and customs then you can easily compare the two to each other. Now, if you compare them to yourself you will remember them wont you?
How about names and dates and details? Well how do these names, dates and details impact you? Do you know anyone else by the same name that you can link them to? Are the dates significant to you personally, or your parents, or your friends, or your country? Why do the details matter to you? By the way, if you can't think of anything just make it up. You'll be surprised that even if you create false reasons you will still remember the reasons and thus the details!
There are many ways for you to improve your memory recall. The "What's in it for me" approach is just one. But it's one that is easy to use and it really works. Identify what you need to remember and then make it about it you. You will be very surprised at what happens next. Good luck!
About the Author:
HelpMeToStudy.org is the premier online resource for learning new study skills, transforming your studying habits and finding the best study tips available. We will help you change the way you think about study - and even better - we will show you how to study effectively: How To Study Effectively | Memory Training
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