How to Improve Your Memory: Guidelines and Resources

Sections in This Topic Include

What is Memorizing?
Concerns About Memorization as a Learning Technique
Test Your Memory
How to Improve Your Memory

Also consider
Concentration
Creative Thinking
Critical Thinking
Mindfulness
Mindsets
Reframing
Systems Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Related Library Topics

What is Memorizing?

Memorizing is learning information by working to commit it to memory. It is one of the most common forms of learning, especially in an educational setting.

Many of us think of memorizing a being the same as learning by repetition. The latter is technically referred to as rote learning. However, there are other techniques to help us memorize information.

One of the most familiar is using flashcards. A common process is to show a word or a question to the learner and then ask the learner to describe or answer it. The correct answer is usually listed on the back of the card, so the person posing the card can share the correct answer with the learner as needed.

Another memorization technique is the mnemonic in which the learner associates the information to be remembered with a word or phrase that is easier to remember. A typical example is to remember all of the Great Lakes in the United States by remembering the word "homes", which includes the first letter of the lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.

Most of us know what memorizing is, but to truly understand it, it is important to compare it to similar, but different, words. That understanding helps us to appreciate memorizing, but also to know its limits. For example, how does memorizing compare to knowing?
What is the Difference Between Knowing and Memorizing?

Concerns About Memorization as a Learning Technique

Despite how common memorizing is as a technique for learning, it is criticized because memorizing information is not necessarily understanding that information. Perhaps memorization can be an initial phase of coming to understand information.
Memorizing versus Understanding
In Defense of Memorization
Memorization is Not a Dirty Word
When Memorization Gets in the Way of Learning
The 10 Problems of Memorizing Words

Test Your Memory

How good are you at memorizing? Take this test.

Memory

The following articles provide suggestions for improving your memory.

How to Improve Your Memory

As with any skill, it takes practice. First, you get new information about how something could be done and then you practice applying that information.

12 Secrets for Memorizing Things Easily
The Two Most Efficient (and Two Least Efficient) Memorization Strategies
The Secret to Memorization
How to Improve Your Memory
14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Memory
6 Science-Backed Methods to Improve Your Memory

Also consider
Adult Learning
Concentrating
Continuous Learning
Learning in Courses
Defining Learning
Group Learning
How to Study
Key Terms in Learning
Improving Your Learning
Improving Your Thinking
Learning Styles
Memorizing
Mindsets - How You See the World
Online Learning
Self-Assessments
Self-Reflection
Test Preparation
Taking Tests
Types of Learning
Using Study Guides

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