The misconception about the ability to learn or memorise is that it’s all-natural, but that’s not what it is. There are several studies that show that the ability to learn or memorise can be improved to a certain level.
Whenever we sit down with our books or notes, there are some common and general ways we follow to memorise a particular topic, such as;
- reading the same passage,
- Highlighting important,
- Summarisation of the passage.
These ways can help to some extent but won’t guarantee complete success. Although there is no way which can assure you a complete success rather than just your belief in yourself, however, there are some science-based tools or methods that are proven to improve your memory.
So, here are some proven methods through which you can improve your memory to a certain extent.
- Chunking
Yes, chunking!. Chunking must be familiar to most people. We witness this method in our day-to-day lives, but oddly enough don’t realise it.
So basically chunking refers to the process of taking individual pieces of information and grouping them into larger units. By this, you can remember through groupings.
For example, the phone numbers in the US, lets’ take (123)-639-2851. It is easier to remember the number in groups rather than individual numbers.
So this is how chunking improves memory.
- Visualisation
Visualization is the most talked about and tried way of improving memory. Visualising is extremely useful and effective while memorizing something. Visualization needs imaging information mentally which in turn helps you remember information in a better way.
The method of loci is one of the most effective visualizing ways.
The method of loci is a strategy of memory enhancement which uses visualizations of familiar spatial environments in order to enhance the recall of information. The method of loci is also known as the memory journey, memory palace, or mind palace technique.
- Take breaks
There is no way you can learn or memorise by pulling an all-nighter. However, can help somehow in short term memory but won’t be effective in long-term memory.
Do take breaks, it is crucial. You can use the Pomodoro technique to manage your study time and have relevant breaks timely.
Taking breaks, like going for walk, listening to your favourite music or just sitting in silence or meditating would help you process the prior information or simply have a relaxing me-time.
Do try these methods and let us know how they helped you.
