Learn various techniques that many psychologists and teachers suggest for improving your memory. This article will make you achieve higher grades and retain information longer.
Through mnemonics, word association, visualization, self-testing, overlearning, and the SQ4R method you can remember more than ever before! Essentials of Psychology 7th Edition, Dennis Coon, suggests the following:
Mnemonics:
These are little tricks, songs, acronymns, or other methods of remembering information. Ex: "I before E except after C" is an example of this technique.
Word Association:
This is associating a word with either a picture, place, person, or thing that has importance to you with the word or term that you want to recall.
This is how most of us were taught how to read. We would see a picture of a cat and then learn the word. Ex: You could remember the definition of the word 'watch' by associating it with an old fashioned time piece. Choose items that are important to you.
Visualization:
Using your brain's ability to picture things can help many people to quickly retain facts. This is also along the lines of word association. Ex: If a nurse wants to remember where the mandible bone is located, he or she might visualize a man with his hand on his chin or jaw. Every time the nurse sees the man touching his chin, the nurse will be able to identify the bone.
Self-testing:
This is when students quiz themselves. You can do this by making a sample test or by using flash cards.
Overlearning:
By studying past the point of simple retention, you can master the material. This means that after you have a working knowledge of a certain topic do not stop there. Continue to study the information until you can easily answer almost any question about the topic.
The SQ3R Method:
This is the method developed by Francis Robinson that helps anyone to retain more of what they read.
SQ3R is an acronym for the following terms:
S= Survey
This is when the reader glances through the material briefly before beginning to read the material. It is a good idea to only look at the main topics and illustrations.
Q= Question
As you quickly browse the material, form questions in your mind. This curiosity will help you become more interested in the book.
R= Read
While reading, try to answer the questions that you have running through your mind.
R= Recite
After reading each individual section or chapter, you should stop and go back over the main points.
You can do this by answering your own questions in your head or even the ones provided in the text.
R= Review
After reading the material, look back through the information. Recite the info again by quizzing yourself and reading through the main topic areas. At this point, begin taking notes.
Many psychological experiments prove that by using the SQ3R method helps reading comprehension and elevates a student's grades.
Also note this: When you make the material important to you, there is a better chance that you will retain the information. Many teachers and psychologists refer to this step as the 4th R- Relate. If the subject matter is related to something that you know, then you will tend to remember the material much better.
