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Whether you’re studying for a test, trying to learn a language, or just hoping to retain what you learned in your college classes, remembering what you study can be a challenge. While your brain is surprisingly good at holding onto things you’ve learned for long periods of time, that information is not always easy to get at when you need it. Use a few memory tricks to boost your recall. Make your brain more receptive to absorbing new information by taking care of your mind and body and working in a good environment.
Steps
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Break the material down into small pieces. It’s easier to process and remember information if you break it up into bite-sized chunks. Instead of trying to memorize an entire chapter of your textbook, focus on one short section or key piece of information at a time. [1] X Research source
- For example, if you’re trying to remember vocabulary for a language class, don’t try to memorize more than 7-8 words at a time.
- If you’re studying from a textbook, it can be helpful to work with the structure of the book. Textbook chapters are usually divided into shorter sections that each provide a manageable amount of information. Focus on understanding and remembering one section before moving on to the next.
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Switch between different topics. It can be helpful to alternate between studying different subjects, so that your brain compartmentalizes the information more effectively. Switching between topics that are very different from each other can help keep your brain from getting bogged down with trying to remember too much about one subject (or 2 very similar subjects) at once. Additionally, switching between topics will help you avoid getting burned out on any one topic. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- For example, memorize a poem , then move on to studying some algebra rules.
- Try spending about 50 minutes on each topic, then take a break for about 15 minutes before going on to the next one. Taking breaks will boost your productivity and help you concentrate. [3] X Research source
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Take notes . As you’re listening in class or reading your text, write down important pieces of information. Don’t write down every word you hear or read. Instead, summarize key concepts. This will force your brain to process the information and condense it to its most important elements. [4] X Research source
- If you can, take notes with a pen and paper. Writing notes by hand engages your brain in a different way than typing on a keyboard, and makes you take a little more time to think about what you are writing down.
- If you like to doodle while you take notes, that’s great! Doodling can help you pay attention and retain information. [5] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Test yourself. As you study each section of the material, take breaks to quiz yourself. [6] X Research source You might do this by making flash cards, writing study questions for yourself, or doing the exercises or knowledge checks that are built into your textbook. If you’re studying with a friend, you can quiz each other.
- Quizlet can be a great help for quizzing yourself, either alone or with a friend. You can create your own digital flashcards based on your course material, or you can use flashcards prepared by other members.
- One way to test yourself is to ask yourself basic questions about the material as you go. For example, “What is the main point of this section of the text?” [7] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
- Self-quizzing not only helps you get a better idea of how well you understand the material, but it also forces your brain to work a little bit harder to remember.
EXPERT TIPMath TeacherJoseph Meyer is a High School Math Teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an educator at City Charter High School, where he has been teaching for over 7 years. Joseph is also the founder of Sandbox Math, an online learning community dedicated to helping students succeed in Algebra. His site is set apart by its focus on fostering genuine comprehension through step-by-step understanding (instead of just getting the correct final answer), enabling learners to identify and overcome misunderstandings and confidently take on any test they face. He received his MA in Physics from Case Western Reserve University and his BA in Physics from Baldwin Wallace University.Become an active learner. Learn from your mistakes in order to confidently tackle new lessons. Before jumping into advanced topics, make sure your skills in basic concepts are up to scratch. Utilize online resources and interactive exercises that provide instant feedback to solidify your understanding.
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Space out your review sessions. When you’re trying to remember something, repeated exposure is important. This method works best if you give yourself enough time between reviews that you start to forget what you studied. Reviewing after a little time has gone by flexes your memory muscles and helps you learn the material at a deeper level. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
- When you’re spacing out your review sessions, keep the intervals short at first, then gradually increase them. For example, if you studied something one day, sleep on it and do a little review the next day. Test yourself a couple days later, and then again a week after that.
- Try a study timer app like SuperMemo or Ultimate Study Timer to help you schedule your study intervals.
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Create memory cues, called mnemonic devices. One of the easiest ways to access memories is to create associations that trigger those memories. That might mean using an acronym to remember information (for example, ROY G. BIV for the colors of the rainbow), using a pun or word play, or creating a distinctive mental image. [9] X Research source
- The most common mnemonic devices are creating acronyms that represent the words you're trying to remember, making an acrostic sentence where the first letter of each word represents what you're trying to remember, and using rhymes to remember. However, you can also use image association, especially if you're a visual person.
- Music is also a powerful memory trigger, so putting the information to a melody can be very helpful. There’s a reason countless generations of kids have been taught the alphabet in song form!
- Your memory cue doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you. In fact, the weirder and more specific it is, the better. For example, if you’re trying to remember the ancient Greek word hepomai (“to follow”), you might picture a cool cartoon cat singing “I’m hep! Oh my! Everybody follow me!”
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Explain the material to someone else. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn. To be able to explain something, you must be able to understand it yourself. You have to summarize and express the material in a way that is clear and understandable to another person, and doing so can help you absorb and understand the material better. [10] X Research source
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Give yourself plenty of time. If you really want to build enduring memories, you need plenty of time to understand, process, and review the information. Give yourself at least a couple weeks to study before a test . Last-minute cramming is ineffective at helping you retain what you’ve learned, and will leave you feeling tired, stressed, and overloaded with information. [11] X Research source
- Reader Poll: We asked 290 wikiHow readers how they like to prepare for a multiple choice exam, and 50% of them said studying in advance and following a study schedule. [Take Poll] This also works well for other types of quizzes and exams!
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Sleep on it. Most people need 7-9 hours of sleep every night to be at their best. Getting enough sleep not only gives you energy and helps you concentrate, but it can also help you learn and remember. Your brain processes new information while you sleep, so you may find that you understand those difficult concepts better after a quick nap or a good night’s rest. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source Get the most out of your sleep by practicing good “sleep hygiene”: [13] X Research source
- Don’t nap for more than 20-30 minutes during the day.
- Avoid using stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine, 6-8 hours before bedtime. [14] X Research source Having more than 1-2 alcoholic drinks in the evening can also disrupt your sleep. [15] X Research source
- Exercise at least 10 minutes a day to improve the quality of your sleep.
- Avoid eating evening meals that might cause heartburn or indigestion, such as spicy, acidic, or fatty foods.
- Develop a regular, relaxing bedtime routine . Put away your computer or smartphone, do some meditation or light stretching, and take a warm shower or bath. You might also try reading to help you fall asleep. Set aside about 30 minutes before bedtime each night to unwind. [16] X Research source
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Eat well. Eating a healthy diet can help give you the energy you need to concentrate and retain information. Eat lots of lean proteins (fish, lean meat, and leafy greens), whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and foods with healthy fats (like vegetable oils, fish, and nuts). Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. [17] X Research source
- Some healthy fats, like DHA, may actually improve your memory. Eat plenty of fish, or take fish oil supplements to get more DHA in your diet. [18] X Trustworthy Source EatRight.org Organization associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics providing advice about food, health, and fitness Go to source
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Take breaks. If you try to force yourself to study for too long in one sitting, you’ll soon start to nod off, or find your mind wandering. To make your studying more manageable and effective, try studying for an hour at a time. Take 5-15 minute breaks between study sessions to snack, stretch your legs, or put your head down for a quick catnap.
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Find a comfortable study space. If you’re not comfortable, you’ll have a hard time concentrating on what you are studying. Find a space that is tidy, private, and comfortable, and that gives you plenty of room to spread out. If your preferred space doesn’t have a comfortable chair, consider bringing your own cushion with you. [19] X Research source
- Good study spaces could include a desk in your room, a study carrel or cubicle in your school library, or a table in a quiet coffee shop.
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Study in a quiet place to concentrate well. It can be very hard to concentrate with a lot of background noise. Find a place to study where you won’t be distracted by people talking, construction sounds, or other people’s music. If you can, put on a little quiet, non-distracting background music to help drown out bothersome noise. [20] X Research source
- If you have to study around other people, such as family or roommates, let them know in advance that you need to be left alone for a certain period of time while you study.
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Make sure there’s plenty of light. Dim or flickering lights can distract you and make it harder to see what you are studying. If you are studying during the day, pick a spot with plenty of natural light. For nighttime study, or if you don’t have access to a sunny window, choose a spot with a full-spectrum fluorescent light. [21] X Research source
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Stay away from tempting distractions . It’s easy to get sidetracked when you have easy access to social media, games, or things to watch while you’re studying. Try to work in a room without a TV, or at least keep the TV off while you are studying. If you can, turn your phone off or put it on airplane mode to reduce the temptation to browse social media. If you’re working on your computer, try a productivity-boosting browser extension like StayFocused to keep you away from time-eating websites. [22] X Research source
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Avoid studying in bed. If you get too comfy, you may find that the temptation to nod off is overwhelming. If you’re feeling sleepy, it might also be best to avoid studying on a couch or in a cozy armchair. Sit at a desk or table instead. [23] X Research source
- If you come to associate being in bed with studying, this can also make it harder for you to fall asleep there at night.
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Join the Discussion...
I have a big psych test coming up and I need your studying tips! I've never been good at studying, I always lose focus or get too anxious about a... Read More
1. If you're having trouble focusing it's important to study somewhere your mind won't wander. The library is my go-to.
2. Be selective ab... Read More
2. Be selective ab... Read More
Good advice. I'll add to the library one: as someone who has spent a lot of time in university libraries, it is best to choose a day and time tha... Read More
Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series
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QuestionWhy don't I remember anything that I study?Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.It's possible you're putting too much stress on yourself. Give yourself more time to study, and set aside a comfortable place to do it. Start quizzing yourself more often to check if you're retaining the information.
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QuestionIf we are dull students how can we remember it?Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.When you study, your success is determined by your effort and commitment, not by your natural abilities. It may take some people longer to understand a concept than it does others, but the same studying techniques, such as setting aside time, minimizing distractions, and switching between topics, can work for everyone. If you're having trouble understanding the material even after studying well, talk to your teacher, a tutor, or a classmate.
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QuestionHow do I study for a math test?Community AnswerPractice as much as possible. Try do the questions without looking at the answer, then compare your answer to the solution to see where you make mistakes. Make notes in another color pen over your answer of areas you don't understand.
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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If there's a topic you find particularly confusing, make a note of it so you know what you may want to spend a little more time reviewing.
- Before you study, you might want to try taking a walk or spending time outside; this may help prepare your mind for studying.
- Try reading the material you're studying aloud, since this may help you remember the information.
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References
- ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/studentsuccess/chapter/memory-techniques/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5673147/
- ↑ https://www.educationcorner.com/effective-time-management.html
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/effective-note-taking-in-class/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-thinking-benefits-of-doodling-2016121510844
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2013/09/learning-secrets
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/memory-and-mnemonic-devices
- ↑ https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/
- ↑ https://education.seattlepi.com/disadvantages-cramming-tests-2665.html
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sleep-helps-learning-memory-201202154265
- ↑ https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep
- ↑ http://healthland.time.com/2013/02/08/sleeping-it-off-how-alcohol-affects-sleep-quality/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/12-ways-to-shut-off-your-brain-before-bedtime/
- ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2013/11/06/healthy-eating-ten-nutrition-tips-for-eating-right/
- ↑ https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/4-types-of-foods-to-support-memory#:~:text=Get%20adequate%20omega%2D3%20fatty,%2D3%20fatty%20acid%2C%20DHA .
- ↑ https://www.educationcorner.com/study-location.html
- ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blogpost/improve-online-study-environment
- ↑ https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/blog/2020/08/11/when-is-the-best-time-to-study-and-why/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/decreasing-digital-distractions/
- ↑ https://www.wgu.edu/blogpost/improve-online-study-environment
About This Article
Article Summary
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While there's no real way to study so that you remember everything, it is possible to improve your memory with techniques like breaking up the material into smaller chunks. For example, if you're trying to memorize a long list of vocabulary words, work on memorizing 7 to 8 words at a time. If you're studying from a textbook, test yourself by doing the exercises or practice tests that are built into your textbook. To memorize facts, try using a mnemonic device such as "ROY G. BIV" to remember the colors of the rainbow. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to take notes to help you retain information more effectively, read on!
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