The ability to remember a vast amount of data and information is vital to students and can truly be the difference between passing and failing a subject. So it's no wonder that there is so much focus on maximizing our memory ability!
So why is it that we can often remember seemingly useless information (like the name of our friend's cat) but when we have a test or assessment coming up and we really want to imprint information into our brain we often end up retaining very little of it? Well, it's all about understanding how our memory is designed to work.
The fact is that we all have a perfect memory and it functions exactly the way it is designed to function - except that we don't take the time to understand how it works.
The approach that most students take to memorization (re-reading information or repeating information many times over) is not consistent with the way that the mind creates memory recall. Nonetheless, we just keep on using this technique desperately hoping that something will stick! Unfortunately, while you may retain some small amounts of data this way, it's a really silly approach when you understand how your memory really works.
The smart approach to memory recall is to first take the time to learn how your memory works and then manipulate your memory (in a good way!) in order to recall exactly what you need to remember for that next test or exam.
There are many ways to increase the power of your memory recall. This article looks at just one - the "All about me" technique. The rule of this technique is that when you make something about you, the ability to remember the information is drastically increased.
When it comes to memory, your brain always wants to know "How does this relate to me?" or put even more simply "Why should I even bother storing this as a memory?"
When a piece of data from the world is relevant to you and impacts you in some way, your ability to remember it (and remember it in specific detail) is drastically increased.
You remember to do things that are going to impact you directly (like making sure you buy a ticket to the next Green Day concert). You remember names of people and places and locations that are really going to impact your life. You remember prices of things that you really want to buy. You remember where, what time and with whom you are going out with on Saturday night. You remember the name and phone number of that girl or guy you like.
I'm not suggesting this happens because you want it to happen. It's just a natural part of being human - it's on autopilot. When something is significant to you, the memory of it sticks. But it's not enough to understand this rule. You also need to apply it to your studies don't you? So let's see how this can help you improve your recall.
In economics you learn about trends. Trends impact purchase power of individuals. Purchase power impacts your ability to go and that new pair of shoes you really want. So, does it make it easier to understand economic trends when you understand how it impacts you?
What about learning about different cultures, beliefs and customs than yours? If you were to think about your own culture, beliefs and customs then you can easily compare the two to each other. Now, if you compare them to yourself you will remember them wont you?
If you are trying to remember names and dates just focus on how do these names and dates relate to you. Ask yourself, "Do I know anyone by those or similar names? Do I like the name for some reason or do I think it's a weird name? Why is that? Did the people or dates that I have to remember ever impact my life in any way? Did anything happen on those dates that relates to me personally?"
Remember, it's all about you! The more you tie something to yourself and make it about you the easier it will be for your memory to create the traces needed to make memory recall a breeze. Try it for a week. You will be glad you did!
So why is it that we can often remember seemingly useless information (like the name of our friend's cat) but when we have a test or assessment coming up and we really want to imprint information into our brain we often end up retaining very little of it? Well, it's all about understanding how our memory is designed to work.
The fact is that we all have a perfect memory and it functions exactly the way it is designed to function - except that we don't take the time to understand how it works.
The approach that most students take to memorization (re-reading information or repeating information many times over) is not consistent with the way that the mind creates memory recall. Nonetheless, we just keep on using this technique desperately hoping that something will stick! Unfortunately, while you may retain some small amounts of data this way, it's a really silly approach when you understand how your memory really works.
The smart approach to memory recall is to first take the time to learn how your memory works and then manipulate your memory (in a good way!) in order to recall exactly what you need to remember for that next test or exam.
There are many ways to increase the power of your memory recall. This article looks at just one - the "All about me" technique. The rule of this technique is that when you make something about you, the ability to remember the information is drastically increased.
When it comes to memory, your brain always wants to know "How does this relate to me?" or put even more simply "Why should I even bother storing this as a memory?"
When a piece of data from the world is relevant to you and impacts you in some way, your ability to remember it (and remember it in specific detail) is drastically increased.
You remember to do things that are going to impact you directly (like making sure you buy a ticket to the next Green Day concert). You remember names of people and places and locations that are really going to impact your life. You remember prices of things that you really want to buy. You remember where, what time and with whom you are going out with on Saturday night. You remember the name and phone number of that girl or guy you like.
I'm not suggesting this happens because you want it to happen. It's just a natural part of being human - it's on autopilot. When something is significant to you, the memory of it sticks. But it's not enough to understand this rule. You also need to apply it to your studies don't you? So let's see how this can help you improve your recall.
In economics you learn about trends. Trends impact purchase power of individuals. Purchase power impacts your ability to go and that new pair of shoes you really want. So, does it make it easier to understand economic trends when you understand how it impacts you?
What about learning about different cultures, beliefs and customs than yours? If you were to think about your own culture, beliefs and customs then you can easily compare the two to each other. Now, if you compare them to yourself you will remember them wont you?
If you are trying to remember names and dates just focus on how do these names and dates relate to you. Ask yourself, "Do I know anyone by those or similar names? Do I like the name for some reason or do I think it's a weird name? Why is that? Did the people or dates that I have to remember ever impact my life in any way? Did anything happen on those dates that relates to me personally?"
Remember, it's all about you! The more you tie something to yourself and make it about you the easier it will be for your memory to create the traces needed to make memory recall a breeze. Try it for a week. You will be glad you did!
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