Memory

Practice

You can develop your memory - just by using it more!

Get to know your subject more closely - and you will remember all its important details.

And there's more good news. Not many subjects require you to memorise lots of facts.

It's often more important to know where and how information can be found.

Most exams want you to show that you can think carefully and explain yourself clearly.

Mind maps

If you do need help to remember things - try 'mind maps'.

Draw a diagram which shows the main topics of your subject - maybe with each topic in a separate box.

Make lists into which new details from your studies can be fitted.

In history for example, make a list of the main events in the period you are studying. Wall charts can be helpful here.

Here's an example. It's a chronicle of events in the nineteenth century.

Revision

Regular surveys of your course as a whole will help you to remember its details.

Good note-taking and revision skills will help you to grasp the main points of your subject.

Review your notes regularly, and make sure you have a firm grasp of the course to date.

Summarise your notes and course topics onto index cards.

Carry these around, and refresh your memory during short pauses.

Mnemonics

Mnemonics can help you to recall information. You remember one thing by means of another.

[You say it without the initial 'm', by the way.]

For instance, the notes in music are (on the lines) E,G,B,D,F and (in the spaces) F,A,C,E.

You can remember these as 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favour' and the single word 'FACE'.

Keep it simple. Mnemonics need to be short, sharp, and effective.

Layout

Lots of people have a very visual memory.

You remember the shape of words on a page, or things which have been written as symbols or pictures.

The clear layout of your notes may help you to remember the contents.

You might remember complex topics if they are presented in a simple visual manner.