Magic word of memory-Repetition

There are a lot of  tricks and devices out there, which claims to improve our memory a lot.I have tried quite a few, but got bored every time I read those books. I could never go past the first few pages.

Experiences in life is the most important memory builder. Learning is a continuous process.The purpose of learning is different for different people. A student studying for MCQ exam need not remember the whole subject, what he needs to know is to pick out a difference.

Reading a subject once, revising it after 24 hours and after a few months, writing an exam on the subject will reinforce the memory. Memory is acquired through a reward mechanism. If we get a reward for remembering, the memory is converted from short term to long term.

Repetition is the most important word in the whole memory process. So go on repeating.

Mind mapping and learning

mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.It is an image-centered diagram that represents semantic or other connections between portions of information. By presenting these connections in a radial, non-linear graphical manner, it encourages a brainstorming approach to any given organizational task, eliminating the hurdle of initially establishing an intrinsically appropriate or relevant conceptual framework to work within.

A mind map is similar to a semantic network or cognitive map but there are no formal restrictions on the kinds of links used.

The elements are arranged intuitively according to the importance of the concepts and they are organized into groupings, branches, or areas. The uniform graphic formulation of the semantic structure of information on the method of gathering knowledge, may aid recall of existing memories.

Tony Busan suggests using the following foundation structures for Mind Mapping:

1. Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.
2. Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.
3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
4. Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.
5. The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image.
7. Use colors – your own code – throughout the Mind Map.
8. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.
9. Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.
10. Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

An idea map is similar to a mind map but does not adhere to the above guidelines. Rules are constantly broken based on the purpose and application of the Map.

To sum up, view the following video by Tony Busan on Mind Mapping.

The key to memory-3R’s

Read, Recite, Revise.

It is a known fact, that the more number of times we do the 3r’s,  more embedded a fact becomes into our brain. Though I do read, I myself feel timid to recite it, and not to mention revising!

Use all sensory modalities 

While learning, try to use all our sensory modalities.

1.Vision 

Look into pictures. A picture is worth 100’s of words and a video is worth 100’s of such pictures and a real life experience is worth 100’s of such videos.

It is the eye, which is most valuable tool in learning process. If we learn a fact try to verify it with our own eyes. You are less likely to forget it!

2. Touch 

Touch and feel, the object we intent to study. Writing in fact is a way of touching. The more we write the more we remember.

3 . Smell

Though it may seem funny, smell has a role in our studies. Smell and see. You never forget an occasion filled with wonderful aroma.

4 .Pain

Have you ever forgotten the punishment from your class teacher? It is less likely that you forget such bitter experiences.

Pain in the other sense means, the effort we have pumped in, our devotion to our work.

“Take pain in doing your work”

5. words

The power of words need not be over emphasized. In fact learning process is accelerated by reciting loud. Though it may seem childish, it helps us a lot.

Recite recite recite.

 
In the next post: More on developing memory, keywords.