We don’t like to think about it, but midterms are approaching sooner than we may realize. As we start to study, it is essential to use any memory tricks that will help us get A’s on our exams. So, here is a list of five habits that will more easily allow you to retain information and improve your memory.
1. Mnemonic Devices
A mnemonic device strengthens your memory by connecting what you’re trying to remember to other information you’ve already stored in your memory while, at the same time, utilizing mental visualization. An example of a mnemonic device we all use to remember the order of operations for math is Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally or PEMDAS, which helps us to remember Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract.
2. Pay Closer Attention
While multitasking may be time efficient, it is crucial to eliminate distractions and focus on one task at a time. In doing so, you will pay more attention to individual details at a given time, making it easier to remember them later.
3. Space Apart the Time You Spend Studying
The spacing effect states that long-term memory improves when learning is spaced
apart rather than grouping new information together successively. Studying once a day
for smaller amounts of time, instead of studying (or cramming) all of your studying into
one session is believed to lead to improved learning.
4. Test Your Memory
You can test your memory by using questions or flashcards of related materials to enhance your memory of what you just studied. Furthermore, teaching the material to oneself or even to a friend reinforces your memory.
5. Chunking Information
Chunking requires you to combine new pieces of information into smaller “chunks” so they become easier to remember. For example, breaking a phone number up into three parts and repeating it a few times to quickly memorize it.
Source: Psychology Today
-Irene Tussy, Writer