The science of memorization, and how you could memorize information quicker
Memorization lies at the heart of every student’s life. Learning about how it works may potentially boost student potential to memorize.
By Aaron Zhao
Memorization lies at the foundations of every student’s life. It involves extracting information stored in the mind for later recall, whether that is during a test or a question-answer discussion with peers. However, it is not merely the mundane process of remembering something, but rather a science – specifically cognitive neuroscience. The science of memorization is fascinatingly diverse, so be prepared to test your memory as you read on.
Memorization exists in different types
The two broadest categories are “short-term” and “long-term” memory.
Short-term memory stores information for brief durations. The information typically lasts 20-30 seconds before vanishing, and that one can store 7 objects in their short-term memory, plus or minus 2. This widely-cited concept featuring the number 7 is also known as the Magic Number Seven, and was devised by cognitive psychologist George A. Miller; hence, it is sometimes referred to as “Miller’s law”. Examples would include remembering what you had for breakfast or a fact from a Teenlytical article you’ve read the day before.
On the other hand, long-memory is a much more intricate process. It is primarily used for storing information over greater periods of time than its short-term counterpart. Most of the time, students use this when writing a closed-book exam, which requires retrieval of stored knowledge. There are numerous types of long-term memory, and here’s a few:
Explicit: This is the most common form when we access our memory. Any instances of this type require conscious thought. For instance, when you try to remember which shirt you wore to school yesterday, you are accessing your explicit memory. T such as experiences (episodic memory), factual information (semantic memory), or images shape explicit memory.
Implicit: Tying your shoes? Using a spoon? Typing with a keyboard? Those are all examples of implicit memory. If an extraterrestrial creature asked you to describe how you do those actions, you would probably think for a second.. It’s hard to describe it naturally comes to you.
How to memorize information quicker
While there are numerous different methods, here are some that Teenlytical recommends for students:
Write it down & repeat: Not only does this visually familiarize yourself with the information, but also allows for repetition to do its work in memorization. According to Memorise.org, new connections in your brain are formed upon acquiring novel information.
Sleep: At first this may seem counterintuitive. Wouldn’t you forget it all by the time you wake up? Turns out, sleeping actually solidifies memories and prepares the mental infrastructure of your brain for creating new memories. This is why learning after good sleep and good sleep after learning are both wonderful combinations for effective memorization.
Teach what you learn to someone else: Also known as “experiential learning”, this method involves active practice of what you learn. Studies have shown that this way of memorizing is effective. Check out the Kobl Learning Cycle.
Codify and arrange your notes: Neat and messy notes could mean a good or bad grade on an exam. By adding color, syntax, boundaries, and other elements to your notes, accessing information becomes a convenient task.
Anyways, that’s all for now. Take a break and digest what you read in this article. And be sure to memorize!