Studying is arguably the most infuriating part of education. It’s nearly impossible to memorize enough information to perform well on tests. There are pages and pages to read, understand, and remember, making it quite challenging to learn so much information unless we only retain a small portion of it. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve memory. To apply them, you must first become familiar with how the brain stores information.
Information Processing Model
The information processing model, which is one of the most common memory models used, was developed by Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin in 1968. As shown below, it consists of 3 sections labeled sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).
The first section, sensory memory, includes everything that all five senses encounter. Sensory memory only lasts for a few seconds, although some types, like auditory memory, last longer than others. Most of the stimuli you first notice are forgotten soon after, except those you pay attention to. If you see someone wearing a bright neon jacket while everyone around them is wearing duller or darker colors, that person might attract your attention, and that piece of information (called a chunk) will move into short-term memory.
In short-term memory (also called working memory), difficult concepts often need rehearsal to keep the information in that part of the process. When studying, you might find yourself repeating a statement to yourself over and over again in an effort to memorize it. The information in STM only lasts for around 10-15 seconds, which is why repetition for longer than that time frame can help store chunks in long-term memory. According to George Miller, the brain can only hold ±7 chunks in STM, depending on the person, and the rest is forgotten.
Long-term memory is the final destination of information. Memories encoded from STM are stored in LTM. It has an infinite capacity to store information for as long as you want, but without frequent retrieval (calling back that information), the memory can fade away.
Retrieval and Memorization
Despite the complex process of memory, there are quite a few methods to increase the transfer of chunks from STM to LTM. Some of the main reasons why people struggle with remembering are poor encoding or a lack of retrieval, and the following recommended strategies tackle just that.
Name Mnemonics
Mnemonics are a way of assisting the recollection and retention of information. More specifically, name mnemonics refer to abbreviations and acronyms for memorizing steps or subsections. You’ve probably already encountered some examples of them, such as using FOIL for double-digit multiplication (first, outside, inside, last). In English, you might recall FANBOYS, the acronym for remembering conjunctions. Any musicians out there have surely heard of the phrase “fat cats go down alleys eating bananas” to memorize the order of notes on the staff. Mnemonic devices shorten multiple chunks into one, enabling you to encode a lot more information at once. The next time you pick up a textbook, try making up acronyms for difficult terms you might have trouble remembering.
Peg System
The peg system is a method of association used to remember things in sequences. It works by attaching new information to a list of “pegs”, an ordered list you have already memorized. Let’s say you’re trying to remember a grocery list. The first step would be to create your peg system. This can be based on numbers, alphabets, or anything you’re familiar with. Associate a list of random objects with each number (one is the sun, two is bamboo, and so on). Take a few days to keep recalling and practicing this peg list once you have it down by heart. Then, you would associate each of your groceries with an item on the list. For example, if you need bread, think of bread baking under scorching temperatures outside. If you need broccoli, attach it to something that reminds you of bamboo. You could picture a panda eating bamboo and broccoli. You would continue all the way down your list.
This method is more complicated than the other ones, but a peg system can be reused for future lists as well. You could get comfortable with a peg system and then adapt it to new terms for school without making a new mnemonic each time.
Semantic Encoding
More than a memorization technique, semantic encoding is a form of information processing. This type of encoding refers to understanding a topic rather than simply memorizing rules and statements. Especially when you get into more complex subjects like chemistry and physics, a solid understanding of the basics of a topic will be required to ensure you don’t fall behind.
The simplest way to use it is by paraphrasing a statement. If you can paraphrase it, that means you understand the core meaning behind it and will have a much easier time studying. You can also test your understanding by teaching someone else. If you are able to explain a complicated topic in layman’s terms, you’ve likely mastered it. Making analogies between concepts and your own life can help a lot in terms of comprehending a subject.
tl;dr
Information in the human brain goes through multiple stages to get into a position for you to recall it easily. For that reason, tips and tricks can sometimes be necessary to learn information quickly and properly. Some methods to do so include making acronyms, linking new material to previously learned concepts, and forming a deeper understanding of a subject. Now that you have more knowledge on studying techniques, be sure to put them to use for your next test!