Memory, understanding and revision

How do you remember things? Here's an overview of the process of committing new information (class notes, lecture notes, seminars and reading) to long-term memory so that it sticks. Explore each step in this process and think about which methods you have used before and those you might apply in your current and future learning.

Understand

Forgetting is nature's way of making sure that the brain doesn't get too full. New information goes into your short-term memory, and it doesn't stay there very long. You need to work at sorting and moving important information into long-term memory.

The first step is to understand what you have learned. There is no point in trying to remember what you don't understand. Work it out. Think about it. Discuss it. Ask questions about it and speak with your peers.

The second step is to prioritise. You can't remember everything. What's important? What fits into the structure of what you are learning?

Rehearse

Rehearsal is a continuous process. Have you ever tried to cram lots of information just before an exam? Try these techniques instead:

Take notes when information is fresh in your mind and check your notes to make sure they make sense.
Look for patterns and associations to help you remember.
Highlight only the key points. This means thinking about what's key.
Repeat this step with all new material.
Rehearse your notes regularly until it becomes second nature.
Find the technique that works for you. Rehearsing doesn't have to mean reading your notes over and over again.

Link information

Part of rehearsal is 'threading' new information, so the related parts belong together. The more you thread together, the easier it will be to remember the full thread. Each new bit of information will help to trigger memories. Think outside the box. Ok, this piece of information is new and unfamiliar, but how does it fit in with what you already know? Make those associations.

Here are some examples of how information can be linked together:

Break it up. For example, it's easier to recall a new computer password if you break it up into groups of letters and numbers.
Research shows that grouping up to six pieces of information together and making an association between them can also improve retention.
Linking new information to things you already know and creating mnemonics to help you remember.

We're all different; what works for you?

Spaced repetition

If you rehearse and review new information at set intervals - one day, three days and six days after first reading it - the effect of forgetting is dramatically reduced.

This technique is called spaced repetition. Give it a go and see if it works for you.

Active recall

Retrieve the information by reviewing your notes on a regular basis. Use cues such as headings to organise your notes and jog your memory.

Test yourself: make remembering a challenge and you're more likely to retain information. Active recall when reviewing your notes is a great way of doing this. This means engaging your brain to remember what you wrote down yesterday, three days ago, six days ago or longer by testing yourself rather than just passively re-reading notes. It's hard work, but the more effort you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

This may sound obvious but concentrate on the difficult parts. Break down the topics of your course and record how well you are able to recall information for each topic. Focus on the topics you find more difficult to remember; don't be tempted to go back over topics you have already mastered.

Stay alert

To retrieve information effectively, you need to be alert. So, look after yourself physically. Eat regularly. Take regular breaks - work for 50 minutes and then spend ten minutes doing something entirely different.

Remember

If you make all these techniques a regular part of your study, you will get to exam time feeling refreshed, de-stressed and ready for the challenge. It's not just a matter of remembering facts; it's being confident about applying your knowledge to answer each question intelligently.