Memory Strategies
Memory Strategies
Actively Process Information
- Focus on the information.
- Repeat and paraphrase it.
- Use it later.
- Write it down.
- Be patient with yourself.
Chunking
- Chunking is a common technique that we use to memorize information without even realizing it.
- Break large pieces of information into smaller more manageable units.
- Telephone numbers and social security numbers use chunking by breaking a long string of numbers into three units.
Organize Your Thoughts
- Organizing things that you are trying to memorize into categories helps improve recall.
- If you are trying to remember a grocery list, it is easier to group the list based off of categories rather than trying to remember ever individual food.
- Keeping your thoughts organized is similar to keeping your physical space organized in that it becomes easier to find things when you need them.
Make Some Links
- Forming associations between what you are trying to learn and information you already know strengthens connections and improves retention.
- Mnemonics such as "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pies" are simple examples of associations.
- This works because you are putting in effort to think about information at a deeper level.
Method of Loci
- This is a more advance techniques also known as a "memory palace". It was something that ancient Greeks used to memorize their speeches.
- It involves using association to pair items that need to be memorized with specific locations.
- When recalling the information, rather than trying to pull out each individual piece, you simply "go" to that area you associated the information with in your mind.
Spaced Retrieval
- Has been proven to increase memory retention in people with mild memory problems.
- Practice recalling information over longer and longer periods of time.
External Compensation Strategies
- Sometimes the best memory strategy is to not rely on our memories and instead use external tools.
- Using a notebook or your phone, you can keep a note with medications, with medical conditions, and questions to make sure you ask your doctor.
- These days, there are also password management programs that can keep your passwords secure, but also make it so that you don't have to keep them memorized.
- Even though there are many technologies that can help with keeping information, it is important to do what works for you. If you are great at using a pocket notebook, but struggle with technology, then stick with the notebook.