Memory
Our ability to remember things is one of our greatest assets! Not only do we have an incredible built-in filing system, we can develop ways to increase and improve this function! When we talk about memory, we will do so in the terms of long-term and short-term memory. As you develop your skills, it will be important to know the difference so you can best prepare for exams and for life.
Long-term memory
Long-term memory has two categories that have meaning for academics. These are: recognition memory and recall memory. Recognition memory means that you will recognize the correct answer, formula, or response to a question when it’s given to you; it is an instant reflex. Recall memory is what you study to achieve and it is more difficult to do. In terms of a test or quiz, this is when you are asked to “fill in the blanks” with information, data, formulas, etc. When you study, the key will be to commit this type of information to long-term memory so it may be recalled later when needed.
Short-term memory
The best description of short-term memory is cramming! Everyone has employed this technique at least once in their life to pass tests without careful preparation. Understanding how your short-term memory works will help you make valuable, future preparation decisions. It is important to understand that most short-term memory generally lasts only 72 hours! If you consider that cramming is subject to total loss of information, creates “exhaustion”, and leads to you crashing, cramming is a complete waste of your time!
Here are some suggestions for increasing your memory and making the most of your grey matter. There are ways you can increase your long-term memory:
· Review material until you can recite it without effort – this is the most effective way to learn. (See the page on Test Preparation and Test Taking for suggestions and planning.) Even after you have learned the topic, continue to review – this works to cement the information further and will increase your retention.
· Pay attention to what your teacher asks you to remember and what she/he considers important. This is your guide to knowing what to study and prepare.
· Often, study groups help you reinforce your knowledge, look at topics are pieces you may have missed, and will give you an idea of how your friends learn. Looking at different angles is often very helpful.
· Try a variety of ways to learn material: 1) try linking your topic to something familiar to you such as a map used, such as a related landmark (castles, etc.), a related field trip, or a picture.
· Make the topic meaningful to you by thinking of your past learning experiences and find a relationship between the topics.
· Think about how certain words, books, or related in-class discussions help explain and further understand your topic. This is a helpful tool with memory.
· Read your notes aloud – hearing and reading are great combinations for learning and memory!
· When looking at related vocabulary, think of “opposites.” This reinforces each term and serves to give you a greater understanding of the words.
· If mnemonics help, find letters or related words that cue your memory. For an example, the math mnemonic of PEMDAS, or “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” helps us to remember the rule in math for solving problems in this working order: parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. It is important that when creating your own cues that they are meaningful to you.
· Categorize your notes – how does all the information relate to the topic? Find parts of your notes that fit the categories, such as People, Places, Vocabulary, Objects, or Experiences.
· When studying over a long period of time, concentrate on one subject at a time. Move on to a different subject so as to not overlay similar materials.
· Take short breaks every hour to keep your memory fresh!