“Learning by doing” is a proverb that has become a truth in education. But to practice effectively, first, you need to learn well and remember for a long time what you have learned. So how to improve memory skills in learning, avoiding the situation of “learn today, forget tomorrow”?
1. Understand How Your Brain Works
To “tame” your brain and help it remember effectively, you need to understand how it works. Like a computer, our brain has the function of storing and processing information. But unlike computers, the human brain operates based on natural laws, requiring proactivity, creativity, and flexibility.
According to Dr. Nguyen Van A, a leading educational psychologist in Vietnam, our brain remembers most strongly when:
- Connecting new knowledge with old knowledge: Like the saying “Associate with a good man and you will be one of them,” the brain easily remembers new information when it is connected to what is already known.
- Concentrating intensely: When you concentrate, the brain will “prioritize” processing information, remembering deeply and longer.
- Repeating and reviewing: Repeating knowledge many times helps strengthen neural connections, helping you remember information for a long time.
2. Apply Effective Memory Techniques
Based on the operating principles of the brain, experts have researched and developed many effective memory techniques to help you “tame” your brain and “grasp” knowledge more easily:
2.1. Mind Mapping Method
This method uses visual diagrams to connect ideas, helping you grasp the entirety of knowledge in an intuitive and understandable way.
How to do it:
- Identify the main topic: Write the main topic in the center of the page.
- Create main branches: From the main topic, draw main branches representing the main related ideas.
- Create sub-branches: From each main branch, draw sub-branches to describe the ideas in more detail.
- Use colors, images, symbols: Combine colors, images, and symbols to make the diagram more visual and easier to remember.
Benefits:
- Helps you remember knowledge more easily and effectively.
- Stimulates creative thinking and the ability to link ideas.
- Improves the ability to organize and manage information.
2.2. “Focus and Repeat” Method
This method is based on the principle of repetition to reinforce information in the brain.
How to do it:
- Focus intensely: Focus on learning, eliminating distractions.
- Repeat knowledge: Read again, write again, summarize the content to be remembered.
- Repeat periodically: Repeat knowledge periodically, for example: review the lesson once after 1 hour, once after 1 day, once after 1 week…
Benefits:
- Reinforces information in the brain, helping you remember longer.
- Helps you check your level of understanding and grasp of knowledge.
2.3. Association Method
This method uses logical or bizarre associations to connect the information to be remembered.
How to do it:
- Create logical associations: Connect information together in a logical sequence, for example: “Fish – Water – River – Forest – Tree”.
- Create bizarre associations: Connect information together in a bizarre way, for example: “Chicken – Airplane – Pencil”.
Benefits:
- Increases attractiveness and memorability for knowledge.
- Stimulates thinking and creativity.
2.4. Using Sensory Methods
This method uses senses such as sight, hearing, touch… to remember knowledge.
How to do it:
- Use images: Use illustrations, charts, diagrams… to remember information.
- Use sound: Record lectures, readings, then listen back when reviewing.
- Use touch: Use objects such as pens, paper, boards… to remember information.
Benefits:
- Enhances memory and information reception.
- Helps you learn proactively and creatively.
3. Secrets to “Storing” Knowledge Long-Term:
In addition to memory techniques, you need to apply some secrets to “hold” knowledge for a long time:
- Build scientific study habits: Study regularly, break down study time into smaller chunks, create a suitable study schedule.
- Create an ideal study environment: Choose a quiet, airy, well-lit place, avoiding distractions.
- Choose a suitable learning method: Find a learning method that suits you, don’t force yourself to learn the way others do.
- Combine learning with entertainment: Entertainment helps you relax your mind and enhance memory.
- Exchange knowledge with friends: Exchanging and discussing helps you consolidate knowledge and grasp it more deeply.
- Always maintain a positive attitude: Good mood and positive attitude help you learn more effectively.
Remember: “Learning is a journey, not a destination.” Be persistent, strive, and be creative in learning, and you will achieve good results.
4. Frequently Asked Questions About Memory Skills
1. How to overcome the situation of “learn today, forget tomorrow”?
- Answer: Apply the memory techniques mentioned above, build scientific study habits, create an ideal study environment, and always maintain a positive attitude.
2. Which method is most effective for memorizing knowledge?
- Answer: There is no single most effective method for everyone. Experiment with different methods to find the one that suits you.
3. How to memorize knowledge long-term?
- Answer: Repeat knowledge regularly, review periodically, exchange knowledge with friends, and combine learning with entertainment.
4. Should I study many subjects at the same time?
- Answer: You should break down study time, focusing on one subject for a certain period of time.
5. How to focus on studying when there are many distractions?
- Answer: Create a quiet study environment, turn off electronic devices, and dedicate short periods of time to focus on a specific task.
6. Should I study at night?
- Answer: Choose a study time that suits your biological clock.
7. Should I study before going to bed?
- Answer: Studying before going to bed can help you remember information more effectively.
8. How to eliminate negative thoughts when studying?
- Answer: Focus on your learning goals, motivate yourself, and seek support from friends and family.
5. Conclusion
Memory is an important skill in learning, helping you achieve high efficiency in acquiring and applying knowledge.
Try applying the techniques and secrets mentioned above to improve your memory skills. Wishing you success in conquering knowledge!