Tips for Enhancing Your Memory
Tips to help you survive at university!
Some Truths about Memory
- Memory is not perfect. Few people have “picture-perfect” memories
that can record information the way a camera does. Most people have to
use strategies to help them remember.
- Memory is a case of “use it or lose it.” Memory strategies require
practice and discipline. Using your memory also seems more difficult if
you haven’t been in a school setting recently.
- Memory is a skill that can be learned. Memory strategies are not
generic or innate – they must be learned. There are many different
strategies to help you remember information.
- Memory does not diminish over time. Many people think that memory
“goes” when they get older. In fact, memory stays quite intact – it is
the speed of retrieval that diminishes.
- Rote memorization has limitations. Students who rely on
memorization for their exams are in for a big surprise. Not only is it
difficult to memorize an entire term’s worth of information for the
exam, but trying to do so can cause a great deal of anxiety.
Memory Tip 1: Pay Attention in Class
All information presented in class, whether by spoken word or visual
aids, must pass through sensory memory. It is the critical gateway for
information to be received by other memory systems. Attend your lectures
with a goal of listening.
Memory Tip 2: Take Effective Notes
In order for information to be stored in long-term memory, it first
needs to pass through your short-term or working memory. As this stage
of memory is limited in the amount of information it can retain,
information you receive in class must be written down or you will forget
it.
Memory Tip 3: Remember the Three R’s
In order to move information form short-term memory into long-term
memory, you must do three things: repeat information, make information
relevant or meaningful, and keep information recent.
Memory Tip 4: Use Mnemonics
Mnemonics are short-term memory devices that involve making arbitrary
but easy-to-remember associations for specific information that is easy
to forget.* Some examples are sohcahtoa (trigonometric definitions of
sine, cosine, and tangent) and roygbiv (the colours of the rainbow).
Memory Tip 5: Generate Examples
A very effective way of monitoring your own comprehension is to generate
examples of concepts.* If you cannot do this, it is likely that you do
not fully understand the concept. It is also important to understand why
something is an example of a concept and why it is not an example of
something else.
Memory Tip 6: Use Visual Imagery
Visualization of concepts can be a very powerful way to learn. Images
can be directly related to the topic or can be based on analogies that
transfer abstract concepts into concrete images.* (Eg. Flow of
electricity > river)
Memory Tip 7: Make Associations
Get a sense of the “big picture” by making connections between the
lecture and textbook or readings, and between lectures.* Memory works
best when information is first learned by theme.
Memory Tip 8: Use Rehearsal Strategies*
Practice retrieving information by reciting key ideas, predicting
questions, practicing problems, and testing yourself using old exams.
These strategies will assist you with consolidating information in
long-term memory.
For More Study Tips check out our site:
Tips to Help You Survive at University
(*Adapted from Fleet, J., Goodchild, F., & Zajchowski, R. (1999). Learning for success. Toronto, ONT: Harcourt Brace & Company.)
© 2011 Tips for Enhancing Your Memory , Learning Resources, Student Success Centre, University of Alberta
