Improving Your Memory

Improving Your MemoryFreshmen Studies

A Memory Game

1.d-h-r-c-w-j-v

A Memory Game

2. r-l-s-v-q-i-x-a-g

A Memory Game

3. f-m-z-u-g-q-k-s-a-p-n-r-l

A Memory Game

4. t-k-q-d-y-a-f

A Memory Game

5. a-b-c-d-l-m-n-o-v-w-x-y-z

A Memory Game

6. g-t-j-x-k-r-d-n-a-q-l-i-c

Aaah, Memories…There are two levels of memories:

Short-term memory

Long-term memory

Short-Term MemoryCan usually hold 5-9 different items

Most people can’t remember 10 or more random items

Easy to remember “chunked” digits/lettersPhone numbers (###-####)Social Security Number (###-##-####)

Long-Term MemoryThings you can bring to mind whenever you

choose

With review, can always be recalled

Another Memory Exercise…Read the following list twice:Spruce HeatGas BakeryOak ElmOffice FrictionDensity TheaterFir MapleRestaurant HotelPharmacy

Another Memory Game…How many words could you recall?Spruce HeatGas BakeryOak ElmOffice FrictionDensity TheaterFir MapleRestaurant HotelPharmacy

Try Again…

Robin Gym OrbitSparrow Park ForceHawk Rink ConservationEagle Pool PhaseCrow Field Element

Ways to RememberGrouping

Visualizing

Repeating

Choosing to remember

GroupingTo organize info so that details are brought

together under one main idea

Items that are grouped with similar items are easier to remember.

Robin Gym OrbitSparrow Park ForceHawk Rink ConservationEagle Pool PhaseCrow Field Element

GroupingOrganize ideas/info into groups that make

sense to you

When trying to recall an item, remembering one will often trigger your memory of the others.

VisualizingTo see an image or picture in your mind’s

eye.

A test...

VisualizingWorks well with “mapping” notes

A skill you can practice

RepeatingSounds simple…but it’s effective

Get into the habit of repeating important info in your head

Say it out loudIt’s ok to talk to yourself…

Choosing to RememberSounds simple…

Involves a choice to pay attention…

Must stay “plugged in”….

Make a conscious decision to remember certain items.

Tools for the Future…Mnemonic Devices

Memory/learning aid, often a poem“Thirty days has September, April, June and November”

AcronymsA word made by taking the first letter of each word that you

want to remember and making a new wordH.O.M.E.S. or Roy G. Biv

AcrosticsA sentence made by taking the first letter of each word you

want to remember and inserting another word beginning with the same letter

King Phillip cried “Oh for Goodness Sake”Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally