Do you know that just one hour after acquiring new knowledge, we tend to forget more than half of what we learned? And a day later, we typically remember only about 30% of it.
Have you ever wondered why we forget things? The human brain operates like a limited-capacity hard drive, attempting to prevent information overload. As a result, new data is initially stored in short-term memory rather than long-term memory. If this newly acquired information isn’t reinforced or repeated, it’s easily forgotten. To enhance your ability to retain information over an extended period, it’s essential to transfer it into your long-term memory.
Here are some straightforward tips to help you memorize information more effectively:
Understand what you have learned
Often, we encounter information that may be difficult to grasp initially. To better comprehend it, read through the entire piece and identify its main points. Then, attempt to summarize the content in your own words, keeping it as straightforward as possible. If you can do this successfully, it indicates your understanding of the material, making it easier to remember the finer details.
Learn the key Information
If there is too much amount of information to remember, establish your priorities effectively. Determine which information holds the most significance and what is of lesser importance. Start by concentrating on the key elements that require memorization. If you find extra time, you can then allocate it to memorize the less critical details.
Serial position effect
When learning something new, keep in mind the principle that ‘items at the start and at the end are retained most effectively.’ Employ this principle to your advantage by organizing the information in a way that places the essential components at the beginning and end.
Interference Theory
Shift your focus from one subject to another or from one topic to the next. For instance, if you’re preparing for a public presentation and you’ve been studying for 15 minutes, it’s a good idea to take a break and relax every 15 to 20 minutes. This is the timeframe when your attention is at its peak, and people typically become more attentive. An effective strategy is to switch to an entirely different activity, such as playing the guitar or watching a video. Additionally, be cautious when learning similar information.
Interference theory suggests that similar memories can become muddled and tangled. That’s why it’s advisable to take a substantial break before delving into new material if it closely resembles what you’ve already learned.
Learn opposite things together
Pairs of opposites can be effectively memorized. For instance, when you’re learning a new language, consider memorizing ‘day’ and ‘night’ as a pair. By doing so, you establish a connection between these two concepts in your mind. This way, if you happen to forget one of them, the presence of the other will aid in its recall.
Build a “mind palace”
Try to link specific information to specific locations. For instance, if you find yourself in your room, try connecting the subject matter you’re studying to an object or feature within that room. Repeat this association a few times. Subsequently, try to visualize your room in your mind and repeat the information you’ve learned in connection to it.
Alternatively, consider breaking down the material you need to memorize into distinct sections. Learn these segments in various areas within your apartment or different locations throughout your city. By doing this, the memorized information won’t be boring or dull; instead, it will be linked to other memories, scents, or places.
Use nail words
The objective of this technique is to link one piece of knowledge to other related things. For instance, when memorizing a word in French, such as ‘nail,’ it’s beneficial to identify and associate it with other related words like ‘wall,’ ‘hammer,’ ‘door,’ or any other words that can be logically connected to ‘nail.
Make up Stories
If you need to memorize a substantial amount of information in a specific sequence, try to construct a story with the individual pieces. It’s important that these pieces are interlinked with a storyline or some form of interaction. By doing so, if you happen to forget a particular piece of information, you can easily recollect what was intended to occur next in the story. Although it may appear to require more effort, this approach can yield remarkable results.
Use a tape Recorder
Make a recording of the material you are studying and listen to it repeatedly. This technique accommodates various memory styles. Initially, you read the information visually, and then you reinforce it audibly. The greater your engagement with the content you are learning, the more effectively you will memorize it.
Visualise
Incorporate body language while studying; this can assist in activating your muscle memory.
Choose only the best materials
Avoid relying on outdated books and outdated learning methods, as the world has evolved significantly since their publication. It’s unwise to invest time in potentially inaccurate or obsolete information. Instead, leverage the internet to access the most up-to-date and current information on the topic.
