19 Secrets to Effective Memorization: From Basics to Mastery

We hate to admit it, but some people have a knack for remembering things more easily than others.?

But here is the thing:?

With the correct memorization technique, you can boost your memory if you struggle to memorize things faster.?

It doesn’t matter if you are trying to memorize your grocery list, a movie script, the periodic table of elements, or some notes for an upcoming exam.?

You’ve come to the right place, whether an auditory or visual learner.?

In this blog article, we’ll unveil memorization techniques you can use to learn more information in less time. Let’s dive right in! Shall we?

1. Chunking?

The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines chunking as the mental act of breaking up vast amounts of knowledge into manageable chunks that are simpler to store in short-term memory. Chunking enables you to combine related items for more accessible memory.?

But how many things can we memorize by grouping them??

George A. Miller, a psychologist, examined the limits of the brain’s ability to comprehend information back in 1956.?

He found that we can typically only remember seven information items at once. “The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two” was coined.?

Therefore, ensure that the chunk you wish to recall has seven things or more (plus or minus two), whether words, numbers, or locations.?

For instance, chunking might be an excellent technique to help you recall if you’re juggling several jobs or projects.?

You can arrange them according to due dates or topics; whatever makes sense will work.

2. Memory palace technique

The Memory Palace, which is well-known and popular with memory champions, is another method among visual memorization techniques on our list.??

It is most helpful when recalling lengthy lists of words or numbers, such as the pi decimal place or a grocery list.

The key here is to visualize a familiar setting, such as your home or apartment. Then, you place each item on the list inside the house. Here’s a simple illustration:

Consider the following words: broom, bear, window, dream, slimy, and fridge.?

Divide the list into two groups of three entries each.

Place the first three objects on the porch of a house in your mind:

• On the railing, the bear is dozing off.
• You may see aquarium fish swimming inside the home’s windows.
• The bear dreams of honey while a dream bubble is above his head.

We proceed inside the home for the second group:

• You notice the doorknob is slimy and covered in green gunk when you grab it.
• A refrigerator with its doors open in the corridor lets snow into the space.
• A broom is hitting a spider in the area close to the stairway.

Now try to relax and don’t look at the list above. Can you recreate the house in your mind, retrace your steps, and remember every item?

By conjuring bizarre visuals, you challenge the brain’s understanding of how the real world functions. These things are easy to recall since the visuals stand out.

3. Spaced repetition

The spaced repetition strategy often works for better memorization, particularly with exams and learning a new language.

Hermann Ebbinghaus coined the phrase “the forgetting curve.” It visually illustrates how our brain gradually forgets information unless repeated at predetermined intervals.

There must be a pause of a day or two or longer between each evaluation. The longer the interval, the more likely you will retain the knowledge in your working memory.

So, how do you put it to use?

Use your favorite learning style as a guide. For instance:

• Visual learners can sketch their memory palaces or create a storyboard.
• Auditory learners could read aloud their story or explain going through their memory palace.
• Kinesthetic learners could wander through their memory palaces or act out real-life scenarios.

You should also examine the content before going to bed.

Why? According to research, those studying before bed tend to recall more of what they learn the next day. Additionally, they felt more assured in their responses.

4. Rhyming

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