Tips for Improving Your Memory

Anyone can improve their memory by following a 3 step process. These steps are:

1.     Paying attention

2.     Applying constructivist methods

3.     Making information easy to remember

1. 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.

2. Applying Constructivist Methods

· 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.

3. Making information easy to remember

· 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:

· Make silly rhymes or sayings to remember lists.

· Use silly analogies to remember examples.

· Humor is a powerful memory trigger; the dumber the better.