Whether you have to memorize a long list of vocabulary for a test, some dialogue for a play, or something else, there are ways to make the process easier. Start by doing things that strengthen your brain's memory. Then, use effective techniques to recall the rote material. You can apply additional strategies to help master the related information.
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Method 1 of 3: Using Effective Memorization Strategies
Step 1. Write a summary for each paragraph so you can understand it better
When you can read the material you want to memorize, write a summary of each paragraph you read. Write summaries in your own language to help retain information better. This will help you gain a basic understanding of the material and even remember some key terms and concepts throughout the process.
For example, after reading a paragraph about how the heart pumps blood, briefly explain it in 1-2 sentences
Step 2. Break down the information into small parts
It is difficult to memorize long strings of numbers or words, such as identification numbers or dialogues in plays. If you want to memorize a lot of memorization material, break it up into small parts to make it easier. Some of the ways include:
- Provide color coding by topic.
- Remembers 3-4 word or 3-4 number phrases at a time.
- Focus on key terms in 1 paragraph or page in the textbook.
Step 3. Connect the image to what you want to memorize
Associating a picture with a word or concept is a powerful way to fix it in memory. Try to choose an interesting picture and look at it as often as possible while reading the memorization material. This is also a great way to remember people's names.
- If you need to remember the names of 5 coworkers you just met, think of a picture you can associate with each of them.
- For example, you can associate Charlie with the image of the cartoon character Charlie Brown, Michael with the image of the angel Michael, Reza with the face of actor Reza Rahadian, and so on.
Step 4. Use acronyms to help you remember words in a specific order
An acronym is a type of mnemonic that connects your rote material to the first letter of each word, phrase, or sentence. You can create your own acronyms to help you remember words in a certain sequence, or simply to remember a group of words.
- For example, in tajwid lessons to read the Qur'an, the letters Qoloqolah can be memorized with the help of the mnemonic "Baju in the shop" namely Ba, Jim, Dal, Tho, and Qof.
- A popular mnemonic in music is Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, which is a sequence of notes in the treble clef: EGBDF.
- The acronym Mejikuhibiniu has helped many people remember the order of the colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Purple.
Step 5. Try rhyming mnemonics to remember dates and other facts
Your brain may find it easier to remember certain facts if you present them in rhyme. Pick a date, fact, or other important detail that needs to be memorized. Then, choose a word that rhymes with it and make a short rhyming sentence. Some examples of rhyming mnemonics include:
- Year one four nine two, Columbus sailed the ocean.
- September, November, April, and June, have thirty days.
Step 6. Write down the information over and over again
Writing is a powerful tool in helping you memorize, and it is more effective if you do it over and over again. Get a pen and paper ready, and start writing down your rote material. You can write down drama dialogues, definitions of key terms, math equations, or anything else that needs to be memorized.
If you want, you can also record yourself reading your rote, then listen to the recording over and over again. This option is great if you're on a long journey or if you find it easier to learn by listening
Step 7. Speak loudly while studying
Reading memorization material aloud, explaining concepts to yourself, or simply occasionally commenting on your own can help strengthen your memorization. Try talking to yourself to learn your rote material.
If you're studying in a library, make sure you're in a section where people are allowed to make loud noises
Step 8. Make a memory card and study it every day
Memory cards are a classic tool for remembering. Write a concept, cue, or subject on one side of the card, then write a definition, line, or other detail that needs to be memorized on the other side of the card. Make sure all the memorized cards in the pile face one direction. Look at the draft or clue side of the card first, and see if you can remember the definition or dialogue on the other side. If not, read it a few times to memorize it, then move on to the next card.
Continue reading the deck of cards in this way to memorize the information
Tip: When studying, be sure to vary the type of information being studied. For example, you could study vocabulary for 20 minutes, then “change gears” by solving math problems for 20 minutes, then move on to reading textbooks. This strategy is effective for keeping your focus.
Method 2 of 3: Making Information Stick in Your Head
Step 1. Connect the information with something you already understand
Choose a topic you are interested in and understand well. Then, look for ways to relate the information you need to memorize with the subject you already understand.
For example, you could link your math test memorization material to the rules of baseball if you're a sports fan, or you can use cooking analogies to help you memorize chemistry concepts
Step 2. Memorize the information over a period of days or weeks
It would be better if you start memorizing as early as possible. It takes time and repetition to remember something. Plan to learn the memorization material at least a week in advance, if possible earlier. Memorize your material at a specific time each day. The time it takes will vary depending on the amount of material that needs to be memorized.
- For example, if you need to memorize 20 new words for a test, you may only need to study for 30 minutes per day of the week.
- However, if you need to remember your dialogue as the main character in a play, then you need to start memorizing 3-4 weeks in advance and study your lines for an hour each day.
Step 3. Make a quiz for yourself from the memorized material studied
You may feel that if the memorization material is more familiar when reread, it means you have memorized it. However, this method is not accurate for checking your memorization. Self-testing is a better way to see if you've memorized the material. Try to remember the information without looking at the notes. If you can remember information accurately without help, you have memorized it.
- For example, if you want to be able to explain photosynthesis for a science exam, try doing so without checking the book first.
- If you want to be able to read poetry from inside your head, give it a try.
Step 4. Teach what you have learned to others
Teaching someone else your memorization material is another great way to imprint it in memory. After studying the memorization material, try explaining it to your friends or family. If you can do it successfully without checking your notes, it means that you have memorized the relevant information.
Tip: If you like teaching other people, consider becoming a tutor. This is great for helping others learn while solidifying the concept of the lesson in your memory.
Method 3 of 3: Increase Brain Memory Power
Step 1. Exercise regularly to improve memory function in cognitive
Try exercising for 30 minutes for at least 5 days a week to keep your brain sharp. You can also exercise right before you start memorizing to improve your memory.
- You don't have to exercise for a long time to memorize better. Just walking for 15 minutes is enough before you start studying.
- You can also try doing yoga for 20 minutes before memorizing to boost your brain power.
Step 2. Drink a cup of green tea before starting to memorize
Green tea can improve brain cognitive function better than other drinks. Make a cup of plain or decaf green tea and sip it before a study session. The added caffeine in regular green tea also helps you.
You are free to choose to drink hot or cold green tea
Step 3. Create a distraction-free learning environment
Avoid grabbing while memorizing, for example checking social media accounts or texting with friends. This interferes with your focus on memorizing. Put away your cell phone, turn off the television, and ask the householder not to disturb you while studying.
If you're having trouble staying focused, try setting small goals, and rewarding yourself with a short break when you've achieved it. For example, you could set a goal to focus on studying for 25 minutes, then reward it with a 5-minute break
Tip: Shut down the app to avoid distractions. You can download apps that will reward you for not checking social media or other distractions on your phone, for example by creating interesting animations as you study without closing the app.
Step 4. Plan memorization during the day instead of the morning or evening
During the day your mind may not be fresh anymore, but this is when the brain is best able to remember new information. If you previously had trouble remembering rote material, try memorizing during the day instead of in the morning or at night.
For example, you can memorize at 2 or 3 pm
Step 5. Get a good night's sleep before starting to memorize
So that the brain can retain information more strongly, sleep so that it can sleep for 8 hours.
- Try to go to bed earlier than usual, for example at 22.00 if you usually sleep at 22.30.
- Make your room a comfortable place that is only used for sleeping. Don't work, eat, or do other daily activities in the bedroom.
