Improving Memory & Concentration
- To grasp new information: sit as close to the speaker as you can; take notes; read assignments before class so you will know what to listen for; repeat information both orally and silently to increase memorization.
- Organize your information: use codes or rhymes to help trigger information; create a mental picture of what you are studying; learn by "rote," which is just repeating the material over and over.
- To remember new material: say the answers out loud when studying; learn a little each day (don't cram); paraphrase the material to understand it better.
- Set aside a place where you will study that has minimum distractions. Eliminate any distractions that you can, and make the environment comfortable.
- Make sure you have all your materials when you sit down to study: this may include pencils, pens, calculator, textbooks, paper, research materials, etc.
- "Pencil technique" - always study with a pencil in your hand. Rewrite what you have read, your notes, key points, and questions.
- Set time limits and stop studying before you are too tired to achieve the best concentration and retention.
- Vary the activity - read for awhile, then take some notes. Do a worksheet, then outline a paper.
- Build in breaks! Give yourself incentives - if you finish a big research paper, give yourself a break and go visit friends, or at least do some homework that is more interesting.
Check out this article on Improving Memory Retention (Thank you, Ashlie) for more tips!