Improving Memory
2011
Understanding how your memory works
can help you get the most out of your
studying. Many students need to
remember detailed information for
science courses, others need to
memorize important procedures, and
still others need to retain large, complex
concepts in order to write about them.
Here are some facts about memory and
some strategies for remembering:
Memory principles
• Principle #1: The brain is
designed to forget things, and
forgetting begins immediately.
•
Principle #2: It takes conscious
effort to move something from
short-term to long-term memory.
•
Principle #3: Experts recommend
five repetitions of new information
to move
new learning to long-term
memory.
•
•
Principle #4: The brain stores
new information in the context of
previously
learned information, and
remembers by association as
well.
Strategies for remembering
Reinforcement: review notes the same
day as class, edit them, highlight and
note important facts in the margins.
Listen to recordings of lectures while
you
commute. Review with a study group.
Teach what you have learned to
someone
else.
Repetition: use flash cards to help you
remember definitions and facts. Use the
PQ4R method of reading.
Association: create mnemonics (words
whose letters stand for a list of facts or
words); use colors in your notes to help
you picture the information; try to link a
challenging set of facts with someone or
something familiar.
Context: group the information to be
learned in meaningful units.
Recitation: repeat lists or facts to
yourself as you review notes or textbook
reading, moving your lips and speaking
out loud if possible.
Principle #5: Memory isn’t just
verbal—it works best when all the
senses are engaged as well as
emotion and bodily movements.
University of New England
Learning Assistance Services
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Improving Memory
2011
WE LEARN
10% of what we READ
20% of what we HEAR
30% of what we SEE
50% of what we both SEE and HEAR
70% of what we DISCUSS with others
80% of what we EXPERIENCE
personally
90% of what we TEACH someone else
For help with study strategies and how
to put them into practice, contact UNE’s
Learning Specialist on your campus:
Portland Campus: Nora Krevans, 2214259 or via e-mail, [email protected]
University Campus: Lorraine Pecchia,
602-2398, or via e-mail,
[email protected]
Online Campus: Henri Moser, 207-2214352, or via e-mail, [email protected]
University of New England
Learning Assistance Services
Page 2