Q&A for How to Memorize Dates

First, write them down chronologically. Then paste that paper on the wall. Every now and then, take time and glance through those dates.

Make a timeline with the dates and a short descriptions of events. Memorize the dates with the most important/significant events. Have a rough idea where the other events are with respect to the key dates, and you can usually guess fairly accurately if given a multiple-choice. If the events are all within the same century, drop the 18xx or 19xx and just focus on the last two digits of the year. If you have to remember month/day, associate them with the closest holiday - Christmas, Easter, your birthday, etc.

Finding a relation with the event or thing you need to remember will help you out. Creating images and relating to real life events may also do the trick. You may also repeat the dates to your colleagues or friends to help them learn, and which in turn will make a clear image in your mind, reducing the chances of being confused.

Remember the first two numbers then the other two. For example: 1895; 18-95.

Read through one and try to say it without looking at the timeline. Then, do that for all the timelines. You could also use flash cards.

Use the visualisation technique. Try writing the dates down on a piece of paper and mixing them up in a hat or a box. Then, act out the event - a bit like a game of charades. Also, try to make up a song with the topics and dates included, so when you are not 'playing charades', you can sing the song whilst doing your day-to-day chores. Just remember, everyone has their own way of learning things: explore these options and find the best one that suits you.

Try SRS flashcards like Anki. They help in retaining information and memorising skills. It’s built in a way that the info in the flashcards stays in your long-term memory and you’re able to retain the information for longer. There’s a lot behind it, so is best to read an article explaining it! Search up something like, ‘SRS flashcards.’