Improving+Memory

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** Improving Memory **

We often blame our memory for poor academic performance ("I'm no good at remembering names / dates / rules / verbs / characteristics") when really we should be addressing our faulty input and storage system. There is a big difference between short-term and long-term memory. If you study a topic one night and can recall most of it the next morning, don't be fooled into thinking that you will be able to remember it accurately in two months time.

If the goal is to improve your long-term memory, then the key to success is based on the efficiency of input (the 'mental filing system' we employ). Reducing the burden on the limited short-term memory, and channelling information into long-term storage, is based on the creation of patterns and the avoidance of randomness.


 * ** 'Chunking': ** as the average person can only hold seven 'items' in short-term memory, grouping items together into 'chunks' can increase capacity. This is generally used for remembering numbers (think of how you remember phone numbers by grouping the seven digits into 2 or 3 chunks) but can be applied to other listings in various subjects.


 * ** Repetition: ** Studies indicate that 66% of material is forgotten within seven days if it is not reviewed or recited again by the student, and 88% is gone after six weeks. Don't make life harder for yourself - build in a brief daily and weekly review of material covered. It will save you having to re-learn material from scratch!


 * ** Application and association: ** The best way to channel material to long-term memory is to organise it into meaningful associations. Link it to existing information and topics and create vivid personal examples which act as 'mental hooks' or 'cues' for recalling material in the future. Thus, new items are put in context. If you learn a new formula / verb / rule, try to put it into practice immediately with a relevant example.


 * ** Use of mnemonics: ** these are various word games which can act as memory aids and which allow personalisation and creativity. Think of stalag//tites// (come down from the ceiling) and stalag//mites// (go up from the ground); the colours of the rainbow - **Roy G. Biv** ('**R**ichard **O**f **Y**ork **G**ave **B**attle **I**n **V**ain' to remember red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet); the seven characteristics of living organisms - **Mr. Grief** (**M**ovement, **R**eproduction, **G**rowth, **R**espiration, **I**rritability, **E**xcretion, **F**eeding). You can devise many more of these to aid your personalised recall of items in your subjects.

** More Top Tips for improving your memory ** 1. Don’t skimp on exercise or sleep
 * When you exercise the body, you exercise the brain
 * Improve your memory by sleeping on it

2. Make time for friends and fun
 * Healthy relationships – the ultimate memory booster
 * Laughter is good for the brain

3. Keep stress in check

4. Bulk up on brain-boosting foods
 * Get your omega 3s
 * Limit saturated fats
 * Eat more fruit and veg

5. Give your brain a workout
 * Stimulate your brain by doing new, challenging and fun mental activities

** Tips on Mnemonic devices ** **Resources and Sources** [] [] [] []

Powerpoint presentation from Mr Reich's class on memory games and mnemonics



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