Have you experienced the struggle to memorize information in time for an exam or presentation? Spending hours going over the same details, but getting frustrated because you end up not being able to remember a single thing? Cast your worries aside, because there are several ways, backed by science, that will aid your brain to complete the process faster and more efficiently. Learn more about these tips below!
If you are looking for new methods to try to improve your studying, consider giving these a shot! Below is a list of compiled studying tips that will aid your brain's memory processes (including some of my own!) that you can try out.
1 - Exercise
A study in 2013 shows memory and mental processes, including thinking, judging, planning, imagining, and problem solving are greatly improved by a short exercise session of only 15 minutes. So, if you are stuck working on the same problem for hours, or cannot seem to brainstorm a new and creative idea for an essay, get up and move around! Not only is it good to take a break, but it is crucial to be active after sitting for long periods of time. This has been proven to quickly aid your thinking process so you are more productive.
2 - Writing & Rewriting
A tip you have probably are aware of already is to rewrite what you need to memorize over and over again. Although this may seem unproductive and a waste of your time, your brain will passively begin to remember what is necessary after continuously seeing and processing that information. For instance, if you keep writing the same phrases over and over again, thanks to your muscle memory, your hand will begin to automatically know what to write next, which will help the words come to your mind. Note that hand writing notes is better for memorization than typing them up, shown by another study, because you spend more time thinking about the words as you write them compared to just pressing buttons.
3 - Make Connections
If you associate the information you're studying with things you are already familiar with, you are more likely to remember them. When you come across a new concept, you can make a mental note of how you'd explain it in terms of things that you already know, for example, comparing a character from a complicated literature novel in English class to a similar character in your favorite show. That way, because you're comfortable with what you already know, you can remember more about the new subject. By creating these mental connections, you can recall and understand new details quicker.
4 - Avoid Multitasking
Despite some beliefs, your brain is actually unable to focus on two or more things at the same time. By avoiding possible distractions on the side, such as going on your phone or having the TV on during studying sessions, your focus will most likely improve significantly, and the flow of information will not be interrupted. Based on a study published by the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, when you try to multitask, your brain is forced to constantly change its thought process to focus on each task. This wastes time in order for it to shift gears each time, and for you to remember your train of thought. To avoid this, try to go to a quiet place with minimal distractions so you can focus on your work. Put your phone on silent, or place it in a different room where you will not be tempted to check your notifications.
5 - Sharing with Others
To make sure you are completely confident in understanding certain concepts, try teaching them to your family or friends. By explaining what you know to others, you practice putting this information in your own words, and become aware of what gaps are missing in your knowledge. If you are unable to fluently and confidently portray this information, you will know that you have some more work to do in order to fully understand what you are trying to remember. You will also know exactly which area you need to focus on for future study sessions.
6 - Record Yourself Saying the Information
If you are an auditory learner, this might work for you! A tip that I have personally learned from a friend is when you want to memorize something, you can record audio of yourself saying the information. Then, listen to the recording over and over again. When doing this exercise, you are doing tasks unrelated to studying, such as when you are walking between classes, before you go to sleep, or when you have a little bit of spare time. By constantly hearing the information, you will subconsciously remember it, and be able to recall it easily later when you are actively trying to study.
Remember, everyone's minds work differently, so experiment with these different tips, and find the ones that work best for you. Don't be discouraged if some do not work right away, you know you can do it! Good luck with your studying, and feel free to let me know in the comments if any tips have particularly worked for you, or to share your own tips!
References:
“7 Brain Hacks to Learn and Memorize Things Faster.” The Science Explorer, 18 Mar. 2016, thescienceexplorer.com/brain-and-body/7-brain-hacks-learn-and-memorize-things-faster.
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