The demand for ways to improve your memory is higher in students than it is in adults. Students often come across new knowledge in different areas that they need to store to remember during exams and in future tasks. Some students suffer with memory problems and information retention like remembering instructions in class and directions they have just been given. Here are five effective ways to improve your memory as a student.
1. Use visual images when learning
Teachers should be teaching their students how to use visual images to improve their memory. One strategy that makes use of visual cues involves word substitution. This system is applicable in scenarios where a student cannot visualize information and make meaning out of it. You can turn a difficult word such as “”occipital”” into something familiar that can be visualized. For instance, the word “”occipital”” can be converted visually into an open space like a “hall.” The students can then visualize it in real-time. This can help to enhance the vocabulary stored in your brain.
2. Distribute learning
Research shows that learning activities that take more than two hours without a break are counterproductive when compared to those that take one hour or 30 minutes. Students are likely to retain things they learn over a short period of time. This is because the brain can only retain a limited amount of information at any one time; bombarding it with a lot of information only reduces its retention capacity. Make sure you take breaks between learning sessions to help improve your memory. Some students can take up to 50 minutes while others cannot go beyond 30 minutes.
3. Try to relax
Relaxing should be an integral part of your learning process. Scientists have proven that stronger and lasting memories can be achieved when a person relaxes. You need to use different relaxation techniques in order to improve your memory. Deep breathing is one of the most popular relaxation techniques. Establish a quiet environment in an open place and find a comfortable position with your back straight. Then go through a deep breathing process, akin to meditation, for at least 15 minutes.
4. Train the brain
Students should give their brains a workout in order to improve their memory. At times, the brain needs the right stimulation to keep growing and developing. Like a muscle, memory can stretch and grow with a workout. You need to come up with a brain-boosting activity that is suitable for you and must involve learning something new, be challenging and rewarding in the end.
For instance, you can prepare a list of items and try to memorize them. After some time, try to repeat the items you have memorized. Make the items as challenging as possible for optimal results. Print some words in different colours and try to name the colour each word is printed in. Write a short story and then try to use seven to nine words to describe it. You can also do games and puzzles to help improve your memory.
5. Brain foods that improve your memory
The foods the students eat have a lot to do with their brain power. The foods can either take a toll on their brain or improve its functionality. You should try to change your diet and eat foods that enhance your brain power. Foods such as oily fish and walnuts have been proved to enhance the memory capacity in both kids and adults. You should research and learn about the impact of brain-boosting foods to help improve your memory.
In summary, a good memory is an important asset to any student who wants to improve his or her grades. The techniques discussed above will help you to improve your memory significantly.
