15 Recommended Memorization Methods│Memorization Mechanisms and Tips for Efficient Memorization
March 11, 2022
What methods do you use to memorize things? Not only students, but even working adults are sometimes required to memorize things for certification exams, promotion exams, and so on. Since memorization is something that you will be dealing with throughout your life, it is a good idea to know how to memorize things more effectively for yourself.
In this issue, we would like to pick up 15 recommended memorization methods and introduce in detail the mechanism of memorizing and tips on how to memorize efficiently. If you are about to start memorizing something, please take a look at them.
15 recommended memorization methods
Here are 15 recommended memorization methods. Learn about the characteristics of each and choose the memorization method that suits you best.
Memorization Method 1] Writing
First of all, writing makes it easier to memorize. This is because moving your hands stimulates your nerves and activates your brain.
In particular, English words and ancient vocabulary are memorized more vividly by writing. Writing is a more effective method of memorization than following words with the eyes.
Memorization Method 2] Reading Aloud
Reading aloud is also recommended. This will help you remember more easily, not only by providing visual information but also auditory information.
It is more effective than silent reading, so when studying at home, try to memorize by actively speaking aloud. However, if you are in an environment where it is difficult to speak out loud, even whispering is effective enough.
Memorization Method 3: Physical Exercise
It is also recommended to memorize by doing squats, stretching, and other physical exercises. Exercise will help you relax and activate your brain.
Sitting in a chair is effective for memorization, but if you find that it does not help you remember as much as you would like, try going outside and doing some light physical exercise.
Memorization Method 4] Tell others
When you tell others what you have learned, you will be able to memorize it easily. This is because your mind will be organized by explaining it in your own words.
Also, by talking to a third party, you will be able to grasp your own level of understanding and see how much of what you have learned has been retained in your memory.
Memorization Method 5] Memorize by association
One of the most effective methods for memorizing words in ancient Japanese and English is to memorize them by associating them. Try to memorize words and sets of words that are related to each other.
For example, if you memorize "round-trip," you should memorize its synonym "one-way. This is more efficient than memorizing a single word and will help you retain the word in your memory.
Memorization Method 6: Use colored pens.
Using colored pens makes memorization easier. By using red for words you want to remember and yellow for important sentences, you will be able to memorize them more easily.
However, be careful not to use too many colored pens directly on the text, as this will make it difficult to tell which parts of the text are important.
Memorization Method 7] Use Red Sheets
The use of a memorizing pen and red sheets that can hide letters is also effective in memorization. You can memorize important words and phrases while hiding the part you want to memorize.
Memorization Method 8: Use diagrams, illustrations, and videos
We recommend memorizing not only by writing, but also by using diagrams, illustrations, and videos. Especially in science and social studies (history), studying together with video images makes it easier to visualize and memorize terms.
Nowadays, there are channels on YouTube that provide easy-to-understand explanations. Let's combine memorization by watching with memorization by writing.
Memorization Method 9] Use Sticky Notes
We also recommend using sticky notes for memorization. First, write the word on the front, write the answer on the back, and post it in a place where you can see it in your daily life, such as the bathroom or refrigerator.
The key is to always post around 10 sticky notes, keeping the ones you get wrong and peeling off the ones you get right after checking the answers to the words and their meanings. Repeating this process will help your memory to stick.
Memorization Method 10] Create a word list
Matching words is an effective way to memorize. It can be used to memorize historical timelines and mathematical formulas while stimulating the brain.
In addition to the standard "Ii-no-Kuni (1192) Tsukurou Kamakura Shogunate" and "Fill up (1851) Te Taihei-Tengoku", you can also make up your own words for terms you find difficult to remember.
Memorization Method 11] Reflective Answers
If you can get a third party to help you, ask them to give you a question in a question-and-answer format and answer it reflexively. By answering the question immediately, it will be easier to retain the answer in your memory.
If you are doing this alone, practice answering questions quickly using sticky notes or check sheets.
Memorization Method 12] Use the Squat Study Method
The "squat study method," in which you study over and over again, is also useful for memorization. The memorization procedure is as follows
(1) Cover the page of words you want to memorize with a checklist or a large sheet of paper, and answer the questions in order (2) If you make a mistake, understand the meaning and start over (3) When you have memorized all the words without making a mistake, move on to the next page.
By repeating the above steps (1) to (3), you will be able to consolidate your memory. The squatting study method is an effective method of memorization, as it eliminates one by one the common "I-think-I-remembered-things" that tend to occur in memorization.
Memorization Method 13: Use the Mille Crepe Study Method
The mille crepe study method is recommended for use in combination with the squat study method. The name "Mille Crepe Study Method" comes from the fact that you study in layers, just like a mille crepe.
For example, if you want to memorize 30 words in 2 days, follow the steps below.
(1) Memorize 30 words in one day (2) Memorize 30 new words on the second day (3) Review the 30 words memorized on the first day
Repeat steps (1) through (3) until you reach your target number of words. When you think you have memorized all the words, start over again from day 1 for the second week.
Memorization Method 14: Use the Memory Palace Memory Technique
There is a method of memorization using Memory Palace Mnemonics. In Memory Palace, you place the things you want to memorize in buildings. You order the streets and buildings that you see in your daily life and associate the location with what you want to memorize.
For example, let's say that when you leave your house in the morning, you set the entrance as 1 and the street in front of your house as 2. You then set up the words you want to remember for each location. The key is to include a story that weaves a strong image or emotion around each location. Tying it to an unrealistic story will leave an impact on your memory.
Memorization Method 15] Use an Application
Nowadays, there is a way to memorize using an app on your smart phone. The advantage of using an app is that you can memorize in your spare time while commuting to and from school or work. Also, they do not require bulky luggage like reference books or notebooks.
There are an increasing number of apps that allow you to record and highlight your study results, so you can choose the one that best suits your purpose.
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Subject-Specific Memorization Recommendations
Memorization methods vary depending on the subject matter covered. Next, let's look at the recommended memorization methods for each subject.
Japanese
In addition to writing, Japanese involves memorizing kanji characters. When memorizing kanji, it is important to first read the kanji aloud. Writing the kanji after reading it aloud will make it more effective.
Also, simply reading books and familiarizing yourself with kanji will help your memory to stick. If you are not good at Japanese, choose a book of your favorite genre and read it once.
Arithmetic and mathematics
In the case of arithmetic and mathematics, you must learn how to use and apply formulas rather than memorize them.
Being able to explain to a third party how you solved a problem using a formula will help you remember.
Ancient Japanese
In ancient Japanese, it is important to memorize words and phrases repeatedly. It is effective to increase the amount of memorization, so it works well with the squatting study method and the mille crepe study method, which allow you to memorize many words at once.
In addition, the ancient Japanese language has unique rhythms and phrases. As with kanji, memorizing them aloud will help you remember them.
Science
For science, we recommend using diagrams, illustrations, and videos as a method of memorization. There are many aspects of science that can only be understood or experienced visually, such as diagrams and experiments.
It is often difficult to understand just by memorizing words, and it will not lead to memory retention unless you understand the underlying "why this is so.
Society (History)
In social studies, try to memorize not only one matter, but also the content associated with it. For history, you can memorize the chronology of the year by using a word list. While using reference books, seek a method that is easy for you to remember.
Also, watching movies, dramas, documentaries, etc. will help you memorize naturally with interest. If you are interested in something, it will be easier to grasp the cause-and-effect relationships and timelines before and after.
English
English vocabulary is the most important part of English that needs to be memorized. Instead of memorizing only one English word, you can memorize related synonyms and opposites by relating them to each other.
Also, try to memorize them together with example sentences. If you know how the word is actually used, it will be easier to visualize the word and retain it in your memory.
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The Mechanism of Memorization
Memorization is largely related to brain memoryThe brain has two types of memory: short-term memory, which stores information temporarily, and long-term memory, which fixes information for a long time. In memorization, it is said that it is important to change this short-term memory into long-term memory as much as possible. By inserting information repeatedly during a certain period of time, the brain makes the mistake of thinking that the information is something to be remembered with priority.
According to an experiment conducted by Hermann Ebbinghaus, a 19th century German psychologist, people forget 66% of what they have learned after one day. (Ebbinghaus' Forgetting Curve) Therefore, it is important to repeat and memorize through repetition using the squat study method, the mille crepe study method, and so on.
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Tips for Efficient Learning
We have introduced specific memorization methods. Next, let's look at tips on how to memorize them efficiently.
Stimulate the five senses
Stimulating the five senses activates the brain and increases memorization. Those who have trouble remembering may just be following the text with their eyes and not using auditory information.
By speaking out loud and moving your body, you will be able to memorize more efficiently.
Memorize repeatedly
The brain has a "hippocampus" where information is imprinted as long-term memory by repeating it over and over again. Therefore, try to memorize the same words and terms over and over again.
Even if you think you have memorized a word or term, it becomes difficult to recall it after a few days.
Don't try to memorize them all at once.
It is not effective to try to memorize everything at once and cram it into your head. This is because there is a limit to how much a person can memorize in a day.
Know that you cannot memorize everything right away, and repeat the lesson little by little every day to consolidate it in your memory.
Get a good night's sleep.
Memorization should be done with a good night's sleep. This is because lack of sleep will greatly reduce your concentration and memory, and you will not be able to fully benefit from the program.
In addition, the human brain works to organize and consolidate what it has memorized during sleep. The best time to consolidate memories is immediately after waking up in the morning when the brain is in its freshest state, or at night before bedtime.
Eat a brain-healthy diet.
To memorize efficiently, eat a brain-healthy diet.
In particular, blue fish contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which activates the brain and helps with memorization. Fruits containing vitamin C and soybeans, which help memory and concentration, are also recommended.
Combining Memorization Methods
Let's combine the memorization methods introduced in this article. If you use only one memorization method, it tends to become monotonous and you will get bored.
The point is to combine them in a way that allows you to use all of your senses. Choose memorization methods such as writing, reading, and physical exercise.
Be interested in
As much as possible, be interested in the genre you are memorizing. If you have an interest, you will be able to memorize while maintaining motivation. For example, for English, you can watch foreign dramas or foreign movies, and for science, you can visit museums or watch explanatory videos.
If you are not good at a certain genre, you can ask your friends, acquaintances, or teachers how they memorize.
Take advantage of your golden hours.
It is said that there are other golden hours besides the morning when the brain can easily input information: before meals and before going to bed.
Memorized information on an empty stomach is more likely to be input because the brain judges it to be life-threatening information. It is also effective to memorize before going to bed because the brain organizes information during sleep. It is important to be conscious of the time you memorize.
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SUMMARY
We have presented 15 recommended memorization methods and tips for efficient learning. It is important to memorize by reading aloud and using various useful tools, not just by following the words with your eyes. Recommended memorization methods differ for each subject, so be sure to choose the most effective one based on the genre you wish to memorize.
Our e-learning system "learningBOX" can conduct e-learning studies and tests using memorization cards. You can also repeat the study and keep track of your grades, so you can keep track of how well you are absorbing what you have learned.
The system is easy to use and low-cost, so it is sure to be useful for you. We also offer a free plan that you can try for free, so please feel free to start with a free trial.
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