Mastering a new concept takes time and dedication, but don’t you wish there was a faster way? While cramming the subject will not help you learn it faster in the long run, following good and effective learning practices will. We’ll start with strategies for studying and reviewing concepts before moving on to some lifestyle changes you can make to improve your memory!
1. Take notes by hand.
Something you’ve written down is more likely to stick with you. If you’re in a class, pay close attention to the lecture and take notes on the keywords and phrases you hear. If you’re learning something online or from a book, rewrite what you read in your own words to help it stick in your mind. You’ll be able to recall it more quickly this way.
For instance, if you want to learn more about US history, you could make a timeline of all the significant dates and events.
While taking notes, give your full attention to your studies so you don’t miss any important information.
Go through your notes immediately after taking them and organize them in a more structured manner so they’re easier to review.
2. Say it aloud.
Hearing yourself repeat the information aids in memory retention. If you’re studying from a book, website, or your notes, read them aloud. Go slowly through the text to avoid missing anything important. To help you remember the words even more, try pointing to them as you read them. The more you say the information out loud, the easier it will be to remember it.
If you’re trying to learn a new language, for example, practice saying vocab words and sentences as you learn them.
Because you’re actively speaking, the information will stick out more in your long-term memory.
3. Experiment with self-testing.
Take a quiz to see what topics you still need to review. After you’ve read or practiced something, put your knowledge to the test by reciting everything you’ve just learned. If you need to remember the definitions of keywords or phrases, try writing them down instead of looking them up. Make a note of what you have difficulty remembering so you can go back and practice it again. You won’t waste time focusing on things you already know well.
For example, if you’re testing yourself on a textbook chapter, write down everything that happened. Then, at the end of the chapter, look for any keywords and try to define them.
There are also many practice tests available online for the subject you’re studying.
4. Pass on the knowledge to someone else.
Explaining something helps you remember the important points. Allow one of your friends to listen as you attempt to teach them the subject you’ve been studying. To avoid confusing them, try to tell them everything you know in a clear and direct manner. Inquire if they understand or if they require further explanation. If you have trouble remembering specific points, go back and review them as well. Because you must actively recall the information you’re teaching, you’ll learn the subject faster.
If you’re studying chemistry, for example, try teaching someone about the periodic table and how chemicals bond.
If you don’t have anyone to assist you, try writing down the instructions or information you have just learned. Use simple language so that anyone reading it will understand it.
5. Employ mnemonic devices.
To remember complex topics, combine letters and nonsense sentences. Abbreviate the first letter of each item if you have to memorize a list of information or a more abstract concept. You can also try to think of a funny sentence that will be easier to remember. You’ll remember the concept better because you’re associating visuals and images with it. You won’t have to spend as much time on difficult subjects because you only have to remember shorter phrases.
If you’re learning music and want to remember the notes on a treble clef, for example, you could use the sentence “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge” to remember the notes E, G, B, D, and F.
6. Make a comparison to something you already know.
When you relate complex topics to something else, you will remember them better. Tough subjects can be difficult to grasp if you can’t visualize them. Compare what you’re learning to something you already know to help you visualize and remember it. You’ll remember it much more easily because you already have an association with something else you know well.
If you’re having trouble understanding the structure of an atom, you could compare it to the solar system. Electrons in an atom revolve around its nucleus in the same way that planets revolve around the sun.
Another way to remember that glia cells in your brain hold neurons in place is to imagine them as a bottle of glue holding the neurons together.
7. Separate your review sessions.
If you practice frequently, you will have better long-term memory. Rather than trying to learn everything in a short period of time, take your time. Always go over information from the previous practice session for a few minutes in the following session so you don’t forget it. It will be much easier to recall and improve your memory if you go over the information several times.
For example, if you’re learning Spanish, you could begin by making sentences with the vocabulary words from your most recent study session. Try adding some new words to your current session and using them in sentences as well.
For another example, if you want to learn to play the guitar, practice the fundamental scales and chords every day before progressing to more complex songs or techniques.
Cramming only works in the short term, and it increases the likelihood that you will forget what you learned.
8. Vary your practice technique every day.
Making minor adjustments while learning allows you to pick it up faster. Doing the same thing every day can cause your brain to develop a routine. Instead, speed up your study session or add a minor variation, such as playing a learning game or increasing the difficulty, to make it more challenging. Because you have to adapt to the new situation, the information is ingrained faster.
For example, if you’re learning a new language, start by writing down the words and translations on the first day. Make a game out of matching each translation to the word on the second day.
For example, if you’re learning how to swing a baseball bat properly, you might do regular practice swings one day and then try a weighted bat the next.
9. Every hour, take a 5-minute break.
Even a short breather allows your brain to refocus. When you overload your brain with information, it becomes tired. Allow yourself a few minutes every hour to rest and step away from your studies. Spend some time getting up, stretching, and doing something relaxing. Return to your studies with a clear mind at the end of your break. You’ll be able to pick up on the information more easily now that you’ve given your brain some time to relax.
Try the Pomodoro method. Focus and work hard for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break to completely step away.
10. Quit multitasking.
Trying to do too much at once makes learning more difficult. When it’s time to study, get into a zone and focus on one subject at a time. Avoid watching TV, checking your phone, or studying other material while learning because you will have a more difficult time remembering the subject you want to focus on. Even if you believe you are learning more at once, you are more likely to become confused and have to go back and review the topics later on.
11. Tell yourself you’re capable.
You are more likely to succeed if you believe you can learn something. We understand that learning something complex can be intimidating, but it becomes much easier if you believe in yourself. When you have a negative thought about learning, push it aside and replace it with something positive. With a positive attitude, you’ll be more eager to learn, allowing you to master the new skill faster.
For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll never understand this,” reframe it as, “If I put my mind to it, I can learn this.”
Keep the benefits of what you’re learning in mind as you learn to stay motivated. For example, if you’re a figure skater learning a new maneuver, thinking about how it will improve your routine will motivate you to practice.
12. Get regular exercise.
Exercise improves memory function. Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve memory, according to studies. It also aids in the production of a protein that aids in the growth and function of brain cells. To keep your body healthy and your mind stimulated, try to get in about 20 minutes of exercise per day. Because exercise stimulates the brain, you will have much better memory and learning abilities.
13. Get more rest.
While you sleep, your brain processes your memories. Get a good night’s sleep in between study sessions to help you retain the information better. Try to stick to the same sleep schedule every day so that it becomes a habit. Keep your room cool and dark so you can sleep soundly. Because sleep aids in the formation of long-term memories, you’ll pick up that new skill or topic even faster!
Every night, you should get 7-9 hours of sleep.