Memory Tips

Everyone wishes they had a better memory, males and females (x, Remembering Well), students and senior citizens. Since even before the common era, people wrote and read memory-improvement books. This section will give advice on ways that you can improve your memory for school and for other situations.

Paying Attention

How much do you know about your memory? Knowledge of your own memory and how it works is called metamemory . It's helpful to know about your own memory. If you know how accurate your memory is, and its capacity, you are more likely to use memory aids when you need them, because you will realize their benefits.

Part of having a good memory is learning to use your memory effectively. Learn what is important and most worthy of your attention. It's important to pay attention to what you want to remember. Samuel Johnson, a British philosopher from the 18th century, wrote, "The true art of memory is the art of attention." (as quoted in Yount, p. 77).

Sometimes, figuring out what it is to which you're supposed to pay attention is tricky. You must be able to decide what information is important; what needs to be studied. If you're listening to a lecture, for example, you need to pay attention to the lecturer, not other things that may be going on around you. You should pay attention to all that he says. It is a good idea to take notes. However, you shouldn't write down every word he or she says; that would be much too difficult!! You need to listen and to figure out the key points of what the person is saying. Then, you want to jot down words or short phrases to help you remember the important parts of the lecture.

One way to improve memory is to make the memorization process more fun. Visit our games to improve your memory and have fun at the same time.

• Mnemonic devices are methods used to improve your memory. Most people when referring to a mnemonic device are referring to a trick that one uses to help memorize something. Mnemonic devices are not only helpful with memorizing facts, they can help remember peoples' names and faces, a grocery list, or your friend's birthday!
• External memory devices are another helpful way to remember things. External memory devices can be anything from tying a string around your finger to alarm clocks to writing it down!