Easier And Effective Memorization Techniques
Memorization is a skill that many struggle with. For some, it’s hard to recall something once it’s been stored in their long-term memory. For others, they never seem to retain anything at all. In this blog post, we will cover seven memorization techniques which are easier and more effective than those you’ll find on the internet or in the classroom. These techniques will help you distinguish between factual information and memorized information so that you know what has actually been retained and what might need to be revised later on before being tested.
There are many ways to memorize information. Some people simply review their notes and make mental notes of things they need to discuss. Others rely on flash cards or other mnemonic devices. These methods can be very helpful, but they are not the same as efficient memorization. You will see why there is a difference in this post, but first we will take a look at the different types of memorization techniques you could use and how that can affect your retention of information.
FACTUAL MEMORIZATION
Factual memory refers to the ability to recall factual information without having to do an overwhelming amount of mental work to remember it. In other words, you can just think about it for a moment and have the information stored in your memory. Factual memory does not require a lot of mental work and is a great way to recall important or relevant facts at a later time. If you are trying to memorize things that won’t be tested on tests or don’t require test-taking, factual memory is the best way to go.
FACTUAL MEMORIZATION TIPS:
If you are going to be storing factual information such as dates and names, be sure they are all spelled correctly. This will ensure that both your short and long-term memory retain them properly when you need them later on. If the information is a series of dates, numbers, etc., make a mental note of their order. This will help you recall them in the correct sequence if need be.
Memorize things that you can associate with something meaningful to you. For example, your friends’ birth dates associated with foods that they like can help to stimulate your memory when it comes to recalling their birthdays. If you are going to use a strategy for memorization (i.e., mnemonic devices), use ones that actually make sense and keep the facts straight. Using unrelated images or phrases can often confuse your memory instead of helping it. Use multiple senses when trying to remember something long-term (i.e., saying the word aloud). This can help you recall the word more easily, especially if it is not something that you use very often.
If you are having trouble remembering something, try putting it in your own words and seeing if you can then recall it. If so, then the information was meaningful to you and should be easy to memorize.
IMPLIED MEMORIZATION IN FACTUAL MEMORY
When you are trying to store factual information but may not be tested on it specifically, implied memory is a good way to go about memorizing it because there is no set ‘requirement’ for what needs to be memorized. Let’s say that you are studying World War II and there is a lot of information to be covered. It may be hard to memorize all of that information, but you don’t have to. You will see why later on in this post when we discuss the different types of memory. That being said, implied memory might not be very helpful in the long run because it requires a certain amount of associative thinking to recall the information needed.
IMPLIED MEMORIZATION TIPS:
If you are having trouble recalling something, try thinking about it from another angle and see if that triggers your memory. The key here is thinking about things outside of the box . Meaning, think of how you would use the information that you are trying to recall in your life. For example, if you are trying to remember historical facts regarding World War II, you might want to think of how they relate to current events happening in the news. This can help to trigger your memory later on when it comes time for a test.
IMAGERY MEMORIZATION
The next type of memorization is imagery. This is often a very effective way of storing information because it actually stimulates both sides of your brain when being recalled. There are a few different techniques for this, but I’ll discuss only two of the more common ones in this post.
IMAGERY MEMORIZATION TIPS:
If you are going to use imagery to remember something, try relating it to something you already know. For example, if you are trying to memorize a list of alphabetized words, find an image that can be associated with each word. The more detailed the image is, the better chance that it will stick in your memory. If you are just beginning with imagery techniques, try creating a picture in your mind instead of an image (i.e., pictures of things that don’t exist ). This can help you focus on the physical sensation of the task at hand.
If you are having trouble remembering an image, try changing a few of the details slightly so that there is a different association with your memory when you go to revisit it. For example, if you are trying to remember something that is associated with a specific type of person (i.e., former presidents ), change their faces to make them different people or use the same person but randomly change certain aspects (i.e., alter the color of their suit, clothes or hair ).
LINGUISTIC MEMORIZATION
Linguistic memory is the ability to remember a long list of words or a series of words. It can be difficult to memorize this type of information because you often have to repeat the information out loud in order to remember it. If you are going to use linguistic memory for something, try using pictures or symbols along with your words if possible. You can even make up some new words if need be. This is another type of memorization that requires an understanding of the different parts of our brain and their functions.
IMAGERY MEMORIZATION TIPS:
If you are going to use linguistic memory, create a mental picture of what the words look like. You can even create a mental picture of the letters in each word (i.e., A as a triangle, etc.). Remember that our brain has two different parts: the left brain and the right brain . Visualizing with the right side of your brain is often easier for most people to remember. This is because it involves more of your senses when trying to recall an image or word and helps you recall it later on.
IMAGE COGNITION AND VISION MEMORIZATION
Image cognition is essentially imagery that contains spatial information, meaning things like locations.
Conclusion
Our memory is constantly changing as we grow and learn. Our brains are constantly being rewired to become better at certain memory types, especially learning new things. For example, if you want to memorize something that you will use several times in the future, try using the recall-then-write method instead of the old standby – trial and error. If you remember something later on with this technique and it is a good one, you can use it again and again whenever you need it.