Tips for Improving Memory and Concentration

Concentration and memory work together but one does not lead to the other.

What is concentration?

To concentrate is to direct your mental powers or your efforts towards a particular activity, subject or problem.

What is Memory?

Memory is the ability to remember information, experiences and people.

There are some specific skills that can be learned to enhance both concentration and memory. Practicing these skills is likely to improve one's success as a student.

How to create conditions for better concentration

 

  1. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

    • Learn main ideas, then details

      Example:
      Preview chapters before going to class.
      Preview the chapter to gain an understanding of the topics.

    • Make the information relevant

      Example:
      Try to make connections and associations between what you are learning in class and your everyday life.
  2. IMPROVE MEMORY BY MAKING IT PHYSICAL

    • Use your body and your senses to learn information

      It has been said that "people remember 90 percent of what they do, 75 percent of what they see, and 20 percent of what they hear." (D. Ellis, 1997, Becoming A Master Student, 8th ed.

      Example:
      Learning actively can involve your whole body which puts energy into the study process. You can stand up and talk aloud as you study, using your arms, legs, eyes, ears and voice.

    • Relax

      Example:
      Remembering information after the exam is finished is not uncommon. This may suggest that you were not relaxed during the test. When you are relaxed more blood flows to the brain which enables us to perform more effectively and efficiently.

    • Use visualization

      Example:
      The more visual you can make the learning process, the easier it will be to recall the information. Be creative and use your imagination.
  3. IMPROVE MEMORY BY MAKING IT COGNITIVE

    • Overlearn the material

      Example:
      Short-term memory is not very effective in test situations due to a limited storage capacity and an inability to function effectively under stress. However, our long-term memory has an unlimited capacity and is more reliable in stressful situations. The process of moving information from short-term to long-term memory requires time, energy, understanding and repetition. Studying material multiple times using different study techniques and varying the order in which you study is an effective way to enhance you ability to store and recall information.

    • Have a positive attitude about learning

      Example:
      If you find a subject boring or uninteresting, it will be harder to learn. Try to have a positive attitude about what you are learning because it will enhance your ability to recall the information.

    • Use multiple learning techniques

      Example:
      Use a variety of study techniques to learn the material which may include doing the problem, talking yourself through the problem to develop understanding, and then reviewing the process with a friend.
  4. TIME FOR RECALL

    • Review the material regularly

      Example:
      Varying your review methods will improve your performance. Types of reviewing methods include reviewing notes silently, reading them aloud and listening to yourself, writing down main points from your notes, creating ways to apply the information, testing yourself on your notes and teaching the information to a friend.

    • If you are unable to recall something, brainstorm

      Example:
      Not being able to recall information is a part of the learning process. Creating connections between the information you are trying to learn and the information you already know through brainstorming will increase your chances of remembering.

 

Source: http://www.how-to-study.com