Whether you like it or not, you are required to stuff chunks of information into your brain, and in order to do well in any subject, there is some memorization involved. Memorization doesn’t just require you to regurgitate your notes. In order to adequately remember something, you also have to understand the material, or how to effectively process information. Want to know the best way to do this? Read more after the jump to find out!
First of all, before you even try to memorize anything, you should ask yourself a few questions. The first question you should ask is why do you need to memorize the information? In most cases, to learn (at least, that’s what I hope so). In cases where you are required to memorize something that’s required, say, for school, then do realize that strictly memorizing isn’t the best thing to do when it comes to learning that pertains to the sciences and math. With those two, there is a need to understand the concepts in addition to memorizing. (And if you don’t understand a concept, well, the Study Hut is here for you. Contact us if you need help with science and/or math subjects! Sorry, I digressed!) The second question to ask yourself is what are your motives behind wanting to memorize this information? Is this information essential? Studies show that having a strong purpose will make your job of memorizing a lot easier, even if you don’t really give it much thought.
So to memorize something, you need to learn the art of association, namely linking one piece of information (the thing you want to remember) with another more explicit piece of information (i.e. something you already remember). This will enable you to recall the former without any real need of reflection. Sadly, our brains do not work like computers. (If they did, we’d all be geniuses! *Wishful thinking*) However, like computers, our mind works by linking information together, which is why visual things like charts and tables are important because they help us link the information together.
Most students find it very hard to memorize things is because they don’t comprehend how things are related to another. They get impatient and believe that the key to learning in strictly memorizing. I don’t mean to “preach”, but students should not strictly rely on memorizing to get them through their educational career. The key to effectively memorizing, which leads being a productive learner, is to connect the information remembered together. In other words, associate what you are trying to memorize (learning) with something you already know or something of interest. There are many other tricks that can help you memorize, and being creative is a great way to go about, albeit, not the only path.
Do remember that we all learn in different ways, so do not force yourself to adapt to a specific way of learning if it doesn’t fit you. In the end, everyone will have his/her own ways to study. Happy memorizing!! 🙂
