How To Memorize Anything
Thursday, September 20, 2007 by HackCollege October midterms are coming up. Some say if you can't understand, just memorize. And to memorize, try the "stacking" method:
1. First, use a pencil or word processor (I prefer the latter because it’s faster) to type, in complete sentences, any fact you think might appear on the test. Use short sentences because they’re easier to remember. Take your printed notes into a quiet room, shut the door, and eliminate all distractions.
2. Look at the first sentence in your notes and read it out loud. Then, close your eyes and say the sentence without looking at it.
3. Repeat the step above, this time with the first 2 sentences.
4. Next, try it with 3 sentences. Then 4.
5. Repeat until you have memorized every sentence in your notes. [Retired at 21, via LifeHack]
The article also notes that completing the process twice (once more after taking a short nap) is also a good idea. Any other tips for memorizing?
Reader Comments (12)
[...] How to Memorize Anything | HackCollege - I’ve seen a lot of memorization techniques loosely like this, it looks promising! [...]
Just stumbled on this article. I think its got a great point, but memorization is something that almost always needs a "trigger" in order to recall that information under examination conditions. A few of my own suggestions:
--Try writing different facts/points on different color index cards. You can buy the multi-colored neon sets at almost any store, and once you repeat the fact enough, you can remember it by its color (and that can trigger other facts of the same color).
--if you have a somehwat short list of points, try remembering the first letter (or even better: make the first letter of each line into an acrostic-style word). Even if the word makes no sense, if you can remember the order of the letters you may be able to remember, say, historical events in order.
--use mnemonics. if you do not know what that is, wiki it. mnemonics are basically literary triggers for words.
--if you're visual, try associating shapes with your facts. you may remember: "ohh... I know this one... it was the triangle fact... THATS IT!" As stupid as this one sounds, it can REALLY help if you're cramorizing.
--write write write. HANDwrite those facts (forwards AND backwards) until you don't have to look at your original sheet anymore. Handwriting will force you to pay attention to each and every word much more than typing will.
--when using flash cards, separate them into piles: ones you knew PERFECTLY without looking and ones you didn't. Then take the ones you didn't and just study those. Put the ones you knew perfectly from that pile into the other perfect pile. Now take the ones you didn't know the second time and study study study them. Repeat the whole process 1 or 2 more times just to make sure. This method helps you zero in on what you're having trouble with and focus on that.
--when you read a sentence/note, find a word in it that is a "inside joke". This could be a weird word that your cousin always says or an insulting phrase that applies to your grandmother. whatever works, just make sure it is PERSONAL. probably not best to share these with family members who are helping you study, however.
well I think that's pretty much it. I'll drop off some more if I think of them.
[...] How to Memorize Anything | Hack College [...]
I always do that!
and believe me, it really works.
It's better to study using one paper or two papers than using three different books and notebooks.
Another good trip is to memorized with a road. Use a way you really know good - for instance the way from your home to school or to work. And then imagine that each sentence (or any other thing you like to learn, for instance the presidents or whatever) is placed on a specific spot on the road: First sentence at your house door, second sentence on the first corner you reach, third sentence on the bus stop and so on.
[...] The stacking method works by repeating the information, line by line, until you have it memorized. For instance, you’d repeat line one until you can repeat it without looking at it. Then you’d add line two to the list, etc. Find more out here. [...]
Hey thxs sooo much for giving some edvice i really loved it..and i will wrok on it every day..that i can to get me to memorize things faster.
Thanks for the great advice...simple yet effective. I wonder if that will help me memorize my guitar hero combos better too! =)
Hey these are actually good tips! And remembering to do the "stacking method" is also pretty intuitive.
hey this works with memorizing songs as well when you are trying to perform your favorite karaoke song without having to look at the damn screen! you know how it is when you have to sing those rock songs with high notes...you don't have time to look at the lyrics! nice tips.
YUP! Stacking totally works dude. Been doing it for years throughout high school and college. You might even be doing it without knowing it...
Great post! I can use this to help remember my speeches and save loads of time! Thank You