Improving Your Memory

Anyone can improve their memory by following a 3 step process:

• Paying attention
• Applying constructivist methods 
• Making information easy to remember

Paying attention

• Take an active role in learning.
• Memorization is sometimes needed but is not enough.
• Review information and quiz yourself for true understanding.
• Stop being passive in class and when studying.
  • Many students equate going to class and hearing the prof. with real learning.
  • LWI can be dangerous. (Listening While Ignoring)
  • It gives the impression that are trying but you can't remember anything later.
  • Thus you feel you did your job but couldn't explain anything when asked.

Constructivism

• Constructivism deals with correlating new information with old information.
• Thus, one constructs new understanding by fitting new information with prior understanding or experiences.

• Rather than memorizing random facts, try to relate them to prior knowledge.
• Think about new information and draw comparisons to other things you know.
• Think about similar information learned earlier.
• Draw analogies between old information and new information.
• This allows you to see the big picture and not get swamped with new information.

• Identify main points.
• Think about how these fit in with what you know from other experiences or classes.

Make information memorable

• Repetition, Repetition, Repetition, Repetition, Repetition, Repetition, Repetition
• Read it, Write it, Say it, Explain it, Draw it, Ask questions about it.....
• Break down words by prefix or suffix.  (Hydro relates to water)
• Use memory tricks:

• Mnemonics for lists:  

ex. taxonomy of living things

King Philip Chops Onions From Grandpa's Supply

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species

• Make silly rhymes or sayings to remember lists.
• Use silly analogies to remember examples.
• Humor is a powerful memory trigger; the dumber the better.