3 Tips to Improve Your Memory

Memory is everything when it comes to passing your exams, but when it comes to improving our memory most of us consider it to be a static value. The reality is that you can train your brain to be better at remembering things, just like you can become better at tennis or maths.

In this article, we’ll be looking at three easy ways for you to improve your memory through simple memory expansion exercises.

Work in Chunks

If you’ve ever been introduced to a whole room full of people at once, you’ll know that your brain struggles to hold more than about 7 pieces of information at once in your short term memory. A selection of those names will be transferred to your long term memory for the next meeting, but a lot of them won’t, which is going to lead to some awkward moments later.

However, when it comes to the average telephone number, most of us are more than capable of rattling our number off without hesitation, despite it being 10 digits long. The reason for this is that your brain is able to process information in up to seven chunks, rather than individual bits of data.

In the case of the phone number, the 3 digit area code, the 3 digit prefix, and the 4 digit number represent three discrete chunks of information, which you brain can translate into long term memory.

When you’re revising, divide larger amounts of information into smaller chunks, and then focus on memorizing those chunks as individual pieces.

Use Repetition 

Familiarity and repetition are recognized and effective ways to get your brain to remember certain details. It might seem old school, but there is a reason that most school curriculums teach through repetition.

Small but important chunks of information, like dates or formula, can be lodged into your memory through repetition, so don’t be afraid to sit on the bus muttering them to yourself, no matter what looks the other passengers give you.

Bring In Your Other Senses

Most revision depends on sight and sound. You read a section of text, maybe repeating it out loud, and then hope you remember it later.

However, our brains are keyed to process sense memory from more than just your eyes, which is why certain sounds and smells evoke certain memories so effectively. 

Rather than just staring at the page, organize your revision using all your senses, incorporating colors, textures, and even particular smells to acts as simple keys from which you can trigger more complex memories.

Committed To Inspiring Excellence

Here at Northwest Career College, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible facilities to allow them to take advantage of the excellent courses we have on offer. In addition to our Pearson VUE testing center, we also offer morning, afternoon,  night, online and blended classes to accommodate your Las Vegas work and family schedule.  And, we have an experienced Career Services team to help you find the best employment opportunity for your new career. Call us today at (702) 403-1592 to find out more about what we can offer you!

Written by:

Dr. Stephanie Kenny,   

Dean of Students