Expert Tips | Raw | Career Advice

Introduction

Memorisation is a powerful tool that can benefit people in various contexts including both personal and professional life. You can improve your memorisation skills by actively engaging in ways that will help in remembering information. There are numerous ways of learning styles and preferences as people retain and learn information differently. In this blog, let us discuss what memorisation techniques are and the benefits of them in everyday life. 

What are memorization strategies?

Memorization strategies are techniques for improving your ability to retain information. There are numerous methods that suit your needs and appeal to verbal, visual, spatial and auditory learners.

What are the benefits of using memorization strategies?

Employing a memorization technique can make processing and retaining information easier. This skill helps a lot of people, such as students who are willing to learn new information, workers who need a skill gap for their jobs, and even those who are linguaphiles or want to improve at their hobbies.  

(Read More: How to develop learning skills for students?)

What is a 4-step Approach to Memorize the information? 

The process of memorising the information can be broken down into four general steps. You can implement these four steps to memorise more. 

Step1: Attention

Pay attention to the material you are trying to memorise. In other words, don't try to passively listen,  read, or write when trying to memorise things. Give your utmost attention to each detail and let that sink in. 

Step2: Encoding

Encoding involves processing the information for it to store in short-term or long-term memory. Create meaningful connections to strengthen the memory. 

Step 3: Storage 

Once you have encoded the information, try to store the material in a way that is easy to remember, such as using a flashcard, etc. 

Note: Toppers are recognized for their determination and perseverance. Explore these expert study tips from toppers who excel in strategic memorization techniques)

Step4: Retrieval

Use active recall practices like group study, quizzing yourself, or memory games to ensure that the information is remembered correctly. 

Top 13 memorization strategies for students 

Here is a list of 13 memorization strategies that you can try:

1.  Put it in Words 

Writing down the information engages a part of your brain that processes the input of information in a detailed way. This will increase your ability to retain information. There are certain apps that allow you to hand-write the notes while working on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

2. Review your notes

One can retain the information by re-reading the notes that are documented. Reading your notes which includes annotating rather than simply reading or skimming is a crucial part of this method. You can improve your understanding of the notes by actively engaging it with highlighting, underlining or by taking extra notes. You can also incorporate SWOT analysis into your study sessions to gain better insight into your strengths and weaknesses. It can help you understand where you stand compared to others.

3. Make flashcards

Flashcards are one of the most effective tools that will help you learn and retain a lot of information quickly. You can create your own flashcards using this strategy. Write the words or place pictures on one side of the cards and include their definitions and explanation on the other side. Here are some tips on how to use flashcards:

• Repeatedly go through the stack of cards. 
• Shuffle them frequently and create a game using cards. 

4. Use Visualisation strategy 

Visuals are easier to remember than huge blocks of information, especially complex or abstract concepts. Visualisation techniques can improve your ability to memorise the information. Create an image in your mind that you can relate to the information you’re trying to remember. 

5. Create memorable pictures 

The images that you create to visualise concepts can help in recalling the information effectively. Some people may visualise vivid, realistic images closely related to a subject which may be beneficial. Visualising humorous or exaggerated visuals will make memorisation easier.  

(Know More: How to handle stress during exams for students? A must-Read!)

6. Read Aloud 

You are more likely to pay attention when reading aloud than reading it silently in mind because it creates auditory associations in memory pathways to memorise the information effectively. This method is the best for those students who learn the best by hearing. This technique can be used in numerous ways:

1. Reciting the facts aloud to yourself. 
2. Tell a friend or anybody who will listen to the information. 

7. Teach the information

Teaching the context you have learned to someone else is a fantastic way to gauge how well you memorised the information. This strategy is not just about developing lesson plans but also explaining what you’ve learned to others. If you are unable to explain the concepts clearly, then it's a good idea to sit back and study those parts again. 

8. Write rhyming poems

Writing poems is a simple strategy that will aid in memorising and recalling as it links words with specific rhythms or sounds. Start the poem with the word you want to remember and create a song-like rhythm that ends in a similar word. 

9. Engage all senses

People rely heavily on all their senses to process information when learning. Combining visual and auditory, or any combination of the five senses, when taking in information can boost memory retention. A sound can help you remember an image and an image can help you remember a word, phrase or concept.

10. Space out your study sessions.

The ability to remember the information can be improved by spacing out study sessions. It is difficult for people to memorise every context in a single study session. In a week, try to concentrate on one or two chapters everyday which will help you in absorbing the study material at a steady rate without feeling hurried. It will help you in studying better with no distractions.

11. Create a story

Creating a story using the concepts you need to memorize can boost your retention. Stories need not be lengthy but two or three lines can be effective or useful. It depends upon you how you want to create the story. You can create simple stories containing a lot of information depending on your learning style or preferences. 

12. Make a mind map

Making a mind map is a dynamic way to recall information because it presents information in a unique way  which blends words and images. The simplest way to create a mind map is to centre the main idea which can be a concept, phrase or keyword. You can also draw lines, pictures pertaining to the main theme.  

(Suggested Read: Check out the benefits and importance of Critical thinking)

13. Color-code or Highlight your notes

Especially for visual learners, color-coding notes can be an effective way to organise information. Colors enhance the ability to memorise by improving attention-levels, managing and establishing links between colors and specific words.