There are a series of proven techniques that improve memory and concentration of your study. These techniques have been encompassed within the literature of cognitive psychology and certainly help to retain information.
This interests you if you are in a course, in the institute, in the university or studying a master’s degree and you want to improve your academic performance …
10 techniques to improve memory
1) Focus your attention on the object of study
Attention is one of the main components of memory and it is fundamental for information to “pass” from short-term memory to long-term memory.
2) Avoid marathon study sessions
Research has shown that students who study regularly remember the material much better than those who give themselves studio rubbish in single days.
3) Structure and organization of the information that is being studied
Researchers have found that information is organized in memory in related groups. You can obtain a great performance by structuring and organizing the materials you are studying. Try to group concepts and terms or summarize your notes and textbook readings to help structure the information. Keep reading Why Choose Canterbury to Study?
4) Use mnemonic resources to remember the information
Mnemonic resources are a technique often used by students to help in memory. An access key is simply a way to remember information. For example, it is possible to associate a term that you must remember with a common theme with which you are very familiar.
The best mnemonic resources are those that use positive images and even humorous images.
5) Prepare and test the information you are studying
In order to remember the information, it is necessary to codify what is being studied in the long-term memory.
One of the most efficient coding techniques is called trial processing. An example of this technique would be to read the definition of a key term, study the definition of that term and then read a more detailed description of what that term means. After repeating this process several times, your memory of the information will be much better.
6) Relate the new information with the things you already know
Establishing relationships between new ideas and existing memories can dramatically increase the likelihood of remembering newly acquired information.
7) Visualize concepts to improve memory and concentration
Many people get benefit greatly from viewing the information they study. Pay attention to photographs, tables and other graphics in textbooks.
If you have no visual cues to help you try to create your own. Draw graphs or figures in the margins of your notes or use pens or markers of different colors.
8) Teach the new concepts to another person
Research suggests that reading aloud improve memory of what is being read. Educators and psychologists have discovered that students who really teach new concepts to others improve comprehension and recall.
9) Pay special attention to difficult information
Have you ever noticed that, at times, it is easier to remember the information at the beginning or end of a chapter? Researchers have found that the position of information can play a role in recall, which is known as the “serial position effect”.
On the other hand, remembering the information of the environment can be more difficult but this is solved by dedicating more time and attention to it.
10) Vary your study routine
Another great way to increase your memory is to change your study routine from time to time. If you are used to studying in a specific place, try to move to a different place to study.
If you study during the night, try to spend a few minutes each morning reviewing the information you studied the night before. By adding a novelty element to your study sessions, you can increase the effectiveness of your efforts and significantly improve your long-term memory.
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