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The following pages introduce a number of memory techniques. Each will help you to develop a more effective memory. However, before you set about remembering everything in sight, it is important to decide what will be useful to learn.

 

Using your notes and textbooks, select a topic that you need to learn. Read through and make a list of the main points. (It might be steps in a process; the reasons why something happens; important people and their contribution; the consequences of a particular event; etc.)

Check out the Key words page to help you with this.

Your list might contain only 3 or 4 key words - or it could have as many as 15 or 20.

Now, from the list given below, choose which system you will use to remember your key words. This depends largely on which you find easiest to use. Experiment to find the best for you.

Spend about 10-15 minutes learning your list of key words until you are confident you can recite the list. (Make sure, at this point, that you know what each key word means - and that you can explain each one.)

Then, within the next week, spend about 5 minutes on 2 or 3 occasions to check through the list again. Nearer to the exam, check how well you have remembered the key words. You should find it easy to recall the list again with only a few minutes revision.

 

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  One-bun

A word-based technique

 Mindmaps

A visual technique

 Body-pegs

A physical technique

 Sticky notes

A visual & physical technique

 Roman Room

A visual technique

  
 

Making mnemonics more effective

When you are creating a mnemonic (memory aid), the following things can be used to make the mnemonic more memorable:

 

  
Use positive, pleasant images. The brain often blocks out unpleasant ones. Exaggerate the size of important parts of the image Use humour. Funny or peculiar things are easier to remember. Rude things are also easier to recall. Symbols (e.g. red traffic lights, pointing fingers, etc.) can be used in mnemonics. Vivid, colourful images are easier to remember than drab ones. Use all the senses. Your mnemonic can contain sounds, smells, tastes, touch, movements and feelings as well as pictures.
    Memory page 1 - Memory page 2 - Memory games    
   

Click here for

Memory Match

a simple but effective online game that will help to develop memory skills

    

 

OTHER REVISION PAGES

Getting motivated - Planning a revision timetable - Revision techniques - Memory techniques

 Make the most of your learning style - Sources of help - Exam technique