Whether you are in high school or college or a parent who wants to help your child be better in school, you know for a fact that good recall is a key in getting passing marks especially in exams. Then how can you retain more information from your lessons especially in preparation for exams?
Start inside the classroom.
Participate in class especially in recitations. The University of Alabama, Center for Teaching and Learning pointed out that reciting or saying aloud raises retention of the subject because the mind is forced to concentrate and understand the details read or heard. Ideas are remembered because it is repeated in the mind for some time hence it is processed in the hippocampus. You may also write while you recite or vice versa to let the information pass more through your hippocampus.1This makes note-taking more essential to studies.4
Also, pay close attention to the facial expressions and gestures of your teacher or professor when the lecture is given or written on the board. You may associate these details to the fact being taught so when you try to remember it, recalling the facial expression or gesture will remind you of that information.
Take this Test.
Ohio University recommended that this test be taken for students to gauge how effective their learning and remembering techniques are. Your score will help you know where and how to focus to make recall easier. (Click here to take the test)
Make a Mind Map.
Maps, charts, diagrams or comparisons are visual organization tools. These help to group and link ideas. A mind map does not necessarily mean it needs to stay in your mind. You may draw and write down its details for easy review. Write the details in your own words so you may easily check your understanding of the lesson. This will guide you in your review wherein the ideas are collated into one resource and not scattered in many notes.3
Mnemonics,
though traditional are still effective tools for memorization. The University of Victoria suggests some good mnemonics for certain subjects.6
Attitude is Key.
James Shepherd said that "Studying is the process that is used to decide what to learn and what to remember and recall." When you really want to study and remember, condition your mind and make it your intention to remember. Own the fact or idea and think about it always. If possible, talk about it with someone else such as your classmate. This way you are able to recite the idea again. If time allows, set up a schedule to review. A recommended period is at least a week before the exams but if you are cramming for time, just memorize some facts5. You will only be able to retain just enough information as you are pressed for time.
Being able to remember a lot of information about the subjects is necessary in succeeding in school. So improving your memory for school success is a terrific goal.
Next: The Lifestyle for the Memory
SOURCES:
- http://www.ctl.ua.edu/CTLStudyAids/StudySkillsFlyers/MemorySkills/recitingraisesretention.htm
- http://studytips.admsrv.ohio.edu/studytips/?Function=Memory&Type=pretest
- http://www.howtostudy.org/resources_skill.php?id=14
- http://www.jcu.edu.au/tldinfo/learningskills/notetaking/before.html
- https://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/209.HTM
- http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learning/memory/mnemonics.html
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