A method of conscious memorization. The best memorization techniques in your arsenal! Important: determine your memory type

It is quite possible to quickly and reliably imprint educational and artistic texts, lectures, names, faces, phone numbers, and foreign words in memory. For this purpose, they resort to using a variety of techniques.

Basic Techniques

One way to master the art of memorization is to learn special technological techniques. They help a person correctly manage the storage of any data coming from outside in the brain structures.

Effective memorization is based on vivid impressions, the desire to deliberately clearly remember an event, establishing a connection between new material and existing experience, skills of timely concentration, awareness of the information being remembered and an understanding of where it will be used.

The pictogram technique is aimed at teaching indirect memorization, which recommends turning words into pictures in order to effectively remember.

Testing your own photographic memory is possible using the Aivazovsky method. great artist if necessary, he could transfer the landscape remaining in his memory onto canvas. The subject devotes several minutes to studying an object, then closes his eyes and tries to reproduce it mentally.

Often, to retain a large amount of information in their heads, people resort to cramming, but mechanical methods of memorization are tedious and ineffective. To successfully master words, experts recommend the following techniques:

rational techniques involve the use of logical thinking;
eidetics is based on retaining interesting images in memory;
Basic mnemonic methods rely on artificial techniques for effectively memorizing information.

Mnemonics is aimed at developing imaginative thinking, creating supporting associative series and increasing concentration. It is used to capture difficult information. There are many interesting effective memorization methods.

Mnemonic

Most of the mnemonics techniques are reminiscent of children's games. All incoming information is encoded. Then comes the process of memorization and repetition. The lexical base of any foreign language can be mastered in 2 weeks. The techniques are based on creating chains of individual associations associated with vivid images and certain emotions.

The sound of a foreign word is superimposed on a familiar concept. The English word “wall” is consonant with the Russian “ox,” so you need to imagine a huge ox running quickly and resting its mighty horns against the wall. One can even imagine the loud crash of a collapsing wall.

Acronym

Facts are easy to remember through conditional abbreviation of phrases, the initial letters of the words are a code for deciphering the data needed for memorization. Astronomers easily learn the names of planets by the initial letters of certain phrases. solar system. From an early age, people remember the expression “Every hunter wants to know where the pheasant sits” to reproduce the entire chain of rainbow colors in strict sequence.

Layout

This technique involves application of certain principles or rules. In the process of memorizing text, some resort to arranging information in alphabetical order, others distribute it by color, size, age or purpose.

Associative method

For more effective memorization when creating associative series, it is advisable to use the following mnemonic techniques: hyperbolization, animation, modification and emphasis.

Hyperbolization implies deliberate exaggeration of images. A small object must be given a gigantic appearance in the imagination. It should appear in thoughts much larger than it is in the real world. For example, you need to imagine a huge fly. Maybe it will have the parameters of an eagle or even an airplane.
Revival an object involves giving it movement. A table that moves independently around the room will be remembered for a long time.
Modification occurs when a concept is transformed, but without violating the meaning of the word itself. For example, a motorcycle can be equipped with a propeller in your imagination.
Accenting is based on mentally strengthening the image by highlighting an important detail. You can use caricature or cartoon. Sometimes light or sound imparts a memorable image. For example, when memorizing the words “scarf,” one imagines it humming and glowing from the inside.

You can use the “chain” technique and connect words that are logically unrelated to each other. For example, they create a chain of images to remember a shopping list.

The funnier and more absurd the story, the better it will stay in your head.

Memory system "Giordano"

For long-term storage in memory of various numbers, telephone numbers, addresses, exact dates, toponymic names, surnames, first names, patronymics, the Giordano system is recognized as one of the most effective techniques. The main stages include encoding the details of the memorized material into visual images, the process of sequential learning of information and its consolidation in memory.

Encoding into a visual image is not the memorization itself. This is just preparation for it. For example, you urgently need to remember the phone number 8-914-240-53-03. It can be encoded as follows. The number eight represents an hourglass, which reflects an episode associated with the outbreak of the First World War.

The next 3 numbers are remembered, visually imagining a hedgehog with two needles sticking out in different directions, to one of which a tea bag is attached, since the number “4” is similar to the letter “H”. On the other needle you can see an egg because it is shaped like a zero.

Sweat runs down the hedgehog. The first letter of the word is coded five, and the last letter is coded three. An ambulance, with “03” brightly written on it, takes away a sick hedgehog.

First, the basis of the future association is identified. You need to create 3 parts of its individual links, and then present it as a whole. It usually takes 5-6 seconds to form one connection. It is necessary to remember all the connections formed between the elements of information created in the imagination.

Memorizing a sequence of associations occurs in 2 ways. The first involves the creation of an associative series from the required number of stimulating images. The second method involves the formation of an information block using directly connected associations. Consolidation required material carried out through its conscious elaboration in the imagination.

Information is consolidated using the technique of active repetition. Mentally reproduce in memory all the events associated with memorizing the phone number.

Laws of memory in psychology

The law of vivid impressions affects memorization. Memory always reacts to strong impressions, so vivid events are remembered quickly and easily. You can easily remember any very interesting episode that happened quite a long time ago. A person who stands out for his extravagant clothing or extraordinary behavior remains in the memory for a long time. If you need to memorize some information, you need to give it brightness and unusualness.

The law of information importance distributes information according to its need. Everything that is necessary for survival and satisfaction of needs does not cause any problems with remembering. Individual attachments life values, hobbies, personal emotions and feelings are remembered without much effort.

The law of motivation operates in the presence of a motivating force and a great desire to master the material. An upcoming award in a contest or competition provides strong motivation to learn many different facts and information. It has been noticed that it is difficult for students to master precisely those subjects that they think will not be useful to them in life.

The law of activity involves performing some action before consolidating information in memory. This can be calculations, comparisons, isolation of main ideas. You can artificially get involved in working on information and work with it. Any actions taken improve the learning process.

Studying the settings and settings before starting to master any material is mandatory. To rationally use memory resources, you need to prepare for its perception. It is recommended to skim through all the information to be studied.

The law of prior knowledge presupposes reliance on accumulated experience. Connecting with familiar material makes it easier to learn new information. It is necessary to draw parallels, analyze and systematize facts.

The law of mutual influence of memory traces involves organizing work on memorization with alternating thought processes and short pauses, during which the data is consolidated in the brain structures.

Other techniques

Many techniques can improve the efficiency of assimilation educational material. It is important to analyze the effectiveness of each technique used and subsequently use the most appropriate memorization techniques.

To quickly recall a prepared speech, use edge effect, which helps reproduce the beginning and end of a long phrase. Location method involves connecting to objects encountered every day on the way to study or work, which are necessary for memorizing concepts. You can get directions for your apartment or room.

The OVOD method includes 4 main stages of learning the material: highlighting the main idea, careful reading, review and refinement. First, a meaningful reading of the necessary data is assumed, accompanied by a search for the main idea, which is written down on a piece of paper. At the next stage, they carefully read the entire speech again, focusing on the smallest details and details that need to be tied to the main ideas of the text.

This is followed by an overview of the entire speech and drawing up a rough plan in order to understand the sequence of the necessary facts. Finalization involves repeating the text from memory. First they reproduce the main points, then mentally restore the details. After which it is recommended to read the plan again and note the missing data.

Some experts offer rational methods for learning foreign vocabulary or difficult terms in a dream. The technology of the method involves using the first hour after falling asleep and the last half hour before waking up. First, they read the words and listen to them in audio recordings, then the vocabulary is repeated loudly after the speaker, accompanied by soothing music. After 15 minutes the student must go to bed. The audio recording follows the repetition of words three times, first in a loud voice, then it becomes quieter and quieter. In the morning, the vocabulary is read again with increasing sound.

Gold List Method provides for two-week intervals and repetitions of recordings. First, a bronze list of 25 words is prepared, recorded in a notebook. After 2 weeks, the learned words are excluded from the list, 17 words are written down and again forgotten about. The 3rd list will already include 12 words, the 4th time they will write about 8 words. The gold list is formed by rewriting forgotten words from the silver list. The work is carried out according to the same scheme.

The word “mnemonics” comes from the Greek mnemonika - memory and refers to various techniques that help memorize information. Such exercises have been used in Ancient Egypt, India, Greece and Rome and have come down to us in many forms. You probably know certain tricks that you were taught in school for remembering grammar rules or exceptions to them.

You may have been taught the following mnemonic exercise for remembering words in which the letter “y” is written after the letter “ts”: “The gypsy sits on tiptoe and says “tsits” to the chicken.” This simple sentence, which is immediately etched in the memory, contains four words in which the letter “s” is written after the letter “c”. However, mnemonics are generally not popular with teachers because they believe that remembering material should be based on understanding it.

Tell me and I will forget. Teach me and I will remember. Engage me and I will learn.

Benjamin Franklin, politician, scientist, diplomat

All mnemonic exercises are based on bringing some kind of clarity to meaningless material, that is, chaos is transformed into order through some systematization.

Rhyme and rhythm

One of the most effective ways To ensure that the material is remembered is to rhyme it. This method, used in some mnemonic exercises, has also found wide application in advertising.

Pushkin in Mikhailovsky, artist P. P. Konchalovsky

Advertising specialists are well aware of the importance of rhyme for remembering various information. You, no doubt, have noticed that in many advertising videos, information about products is rhymed, and this contributes to faster memorization, and, consequently, faster sale of goods.

Abbreviation (acronym)

We come across acronyms every day as their use is quite popular. We are already accustomed to words such as IMF, UN, etc. These abbreviations not only shorten long titles organizations (International Monetary Fund, United Nations), but also contribute to their memorization.

The abbreviation principle is also widely used to record different material, not bound by logical principles, helps us remember it better and facilitates the process of recalling the necessary information from memory. You can try to apply this principle and soon see for yourself its success.

The abbreviation can be used to record a wide variety of information. For example, to remember the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet - we usually use the phrase: “Every hunter wants to know where the pheasant sits.”

This, of course, is not exactly an acronym. In this expression, the first letters of the words that need to be remembered coincide with the letters of the words of a simple and easy to remember sentence that has some meaning. That is, the memorization of information is facilitated by both the meaning of a simple sentence and the fact that all the words of this sentence begin with the first letters of the words that need to be remembered. This is a kind of double effect.

You can use the principle of acronyms to remember a wide variety of information. To do this, you need to come up with a simple, meaningful sentence, all the words of which will begin with the first letters of the words that you need to remember. To help you practice coming up with such sentences, we offer you the following exercise.

Exercise

Come up with a sentence to remember the following list of necessary purchases: apples, eggs, ice cream, coffee, nuts, raisins, cheese, anchovies, lemons. You can arrange the products in any order.
Good luck.

Method of arrangement of objects

This method came to us from Greece and is a way of memorizing objects by recording their location. You, no doubt, use this method often, although you are not aware of it. For example, if you are asked how many windows there are in your house, you may not immediately answer this question, but if you imagine that you are walking through your house, you will certainly easily count all the windows.

This method can also be used to remember various items that are associated with a particular place. The first thing you need to do is establish some consistency in the listing of places.

For example, if you mentally walk through your house, you can follow a predetermined direction: hallway, corridor, kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, nursery, etc. If you imagine your path from home to work, then the sequence could be like this: traffic light, newsstand, small square, bus stop, etc.

Let's say you need to remember the following list of necessary purchases: toilet paper, detergent, canned tuna, eggs and mayonnaise. Try to conjure up some vivid images in your mind related to the route to work. Imagine, for example, a traffic light wrapped in toilet paper, detergent spilling from a newsstand, park paths paved with tuna cans, coffins covered in mayonnaise, and a bench at a bus stop littered with eggs. If you imagine these associations, then in the supermarket you will only have to remember your route from home to work, and memory will do the rest.

The method described above promotes memorization because it allows you to group unrelated objects into meaningful sequences, such as, for example, a chain of objects you encounter on the way from home to work. The reliability of this method comes from the fact that you cannot forget frequently occurring sequences of objects.

Try using this method to remember a variety of items, not just your shopping list. The ancient Greeks, for example, used this method to remember the main points of their long speeches. This habit has come down to us in linguistic expressions like “firstly, secondly.”

Words that help you remember

The use of words that promote memorization is a type of method of arranging objects. But in this case, you use for memorization not a sequence of objects, but specific images, the names of which rhyme with numbers. Try to remember the following list of items first:

One is sir.
Two - grass.
Three are heroes.
Four is the door.
Five - bed.
Six is tough.
Seven is a belt.
Eight is a moose.
Nine is a swan.
Ten - stairs.

So, you can remember either this list or another one you wrote similar to this one. In any case, you must remember it by heart, so that it “bounces off your teeth.” We hope that this task will not be too difficult for you.

Now you need to remember the list of necessary purchases: toilet paper, detergent, canned tuna, mayonnaise, eggs. To do this, associate each item on the shopping list with a list of words that promote memorization. This should be done in order of priority, that is, if toilet paper is first on the shopping list, then it should be associated with a gentleman, and you should imagine some gentleman wrapped in toilet paper . Next on the list is detergent and it has a grass corresponding to it, so try to imagine the grass that the detergent was poured on. Next up is canned tuna. You should associate it with heroes, so you can imagine heroes devouring canned tuna. Then it was the turn of mayonnaise. Its serial number corresponds to the door, and in your imagination a door smeared with mayonnaise should appear. And finally, last on the list are eggs that need to be associated with a bed, which will probably make you associate a bed littered with eggs.

Methods of arranging objects and selecting words that promote memorization have a different range of applications. The first method is best used for memorizing relatively short lists of objects, and the second - when the order of objects is not particularly important.

Finding connections between numbers and letters

This method is widely used to memorize numbers. Words, as a rule, have more meaning for us than numbers, and this method helps to “translate” numbers into words. This method is based on the correspondence between numbers and consonant letters, which are somewhat reminiscent of these numbers.

Numbers and corresponding consonants:

1 = t (one vertical line)
2 = c (two vertical lines)
3 = w (three vertical lines)
4 = h (initial letter of the number name)
5 = p (initial letter of the number name)
6 = b (letter style is similar to number style)
7 = c (initial letter of the number name)
8 = in (initial letter of the number name)
9 = d (initial letter of the number name)
O = o (the lettering is similar to the number)

Once you have memorized which letters correspond to which numbers, you will be ready to use this method. Try to remember the connections between letters and numbers in a meaningful way, not mechanically. After you have memorized all the pairs, try to translate any number into a word or phrase by using these pairs and substituting vowels. You can use any vowels, but the consonants should only be those that are in the list.

If you need to remember some important phone number, then first replace the numbers with consonants, and then insert any vowels between them so that you get a word or phrase. Then all you have to do is remember this word (or phrase), and you can translate it (or her) into a phone number at any time. This word (or phrase) may not have much meaning, but should be easy to remember.

And in order for you to practice using consonants corresponding to the numbers, the list of which was given earlier, the following exercise is offered to your attention.

Exercise

Select different numbers of 5-7 characters that represent altitudes, distances and telephone numbers. Your task is to translate them into words or simple phrases that can be easily remembered.
We wish you success.

Using pictures

The essence of this method is to translate proper names, different names and thoughts into pictures based on their sound or meaning to improve memory. This method is especially useful for remembering people's last names and professions.

It often happens that we encounter difficulties in remembering proper names and titles. In order to facilitate this process, we can use various pictures. We must imagine what associations arise when we think about a city, pronounce its name or a person’s last name.

Some words and surnames evoke vivid associations in us, and if we remember these images well, then it will be easy for us to remember the names themselves. If you find it difficult to remember a person’s last name or the name of a city, then remember the associations you have with this last name or city. Then, when you need to remember a person's last name or the name of a city, just remember your associations. This method is especially useful when remembering new surnames and names that you have not encountered before.

This method can be used with equal success for memorizing foreign words. Imagine that you are learning something foreign language and you find it difficult to remember some words. Then think about what associations arise when you say these words. The brighter the image that appears when pronouncing a word, the better. Vivid images are easier to remember, and therefore the words with which they are associated are easier to remember. With constant use, you will notice that it has become much easier for you to remember unfamiliar words.

Using word chains

The use of chains is extremely useful for fixing in memory a list of proper names or simply any objects. When memorizing any list, you need to connect each item with the next one through associations that arise. This can be done in two ways: by creating a story or by using a simple chain.

Returning to our list of necessary purchases, which you probably already memorized, we see the following sequence: toilet paper, detergent, canned tuna, eggs, mayonnaise. To create the chain we need to first link toilet paper with detergent. To do this, we can imagine a mast with toilet paper fluttering instead of sails, and the mast itself is secured with cans of detergent. After this, we need to combine the detergent with the canned tuna. To do this, imagine a tuna swimming in detergent. Then we need to tie the tuna with the eggs. To do this, let's try to imagine a tuna with eggs flying out of its mouth. Finally, to connect eggs with mayonnaise, you can imagine the eggs falling into a huge dish of mayonnaise.

IN modern world Every day a person is faced with various amounts of information, plans, and tasks. Many people speak in front of other people, during which they must express ideas beautifully and correctly, guide or lead people, engage in learning, and at the same time arouse interest. Alas, not each of us is able to instantly and accurately enter the necessary data into memory. But fortunately, there are techniques for memorizing information of any volume and complexity. These methods are called mnemonics, which translated from ancient Greek means the art of remembering.

Thus, as a result of memory development, we have the opportunity not only to present information smoothly and thoroughly, i.e. have public speaking skills, but also have the art of professionally memorizing it, while the volume and complexity of the data can be any.

This may be hard to believe. But we know one main secret for success it is changing some data into pictures (images), and then reproducing it in memory.

There are many techniques, but in this article we will look at the memorization technique from Cicero, and also give a few simple, but effective methods memorization from mnemonics.

Causes of poor memory

Before moving on to the practical side, it is necessary to understand what lies at the root cause of poorly developed memory.

Note that each person’s memory is different, and it is selective, i.e. For some it will be easy to remember the multiplication table by reading it once, but at the same time the same person will forget the name of a friend almost immediately. Other people effectively use the visual type of memory, but remember simple rules of the Russian language with difficulty. Why does this happen?

There are 5 causes of memory impairment:

Reduced or absent interest. This is the most popular reason. It is difficult to remember what is not interesting and does not arouse the desire to develop in this area. In order to remember some information, you need to spend time and effort. If a person does not like poetry, then the exercise of memorizing poetry will be tantamount to a feat.
Low concentration, inattention, lack of attention management skills. Today, a huge flow of information pours into people every day. In view of this, we delve into the data superficially, without understanding the essence and, sometimes, without trying to put the information received into practice. And it becomes a habit. By the way, simultaneous execution of several tasks also affects our productivity.
Lack of memorization skills. A good memory is not given to us from birth, it is a skill that needs to be developed. Below we will present techniques that will allow you to develop this ability.
Low oxygen levels, vitamin deficiency, poor nutrition. The conclusion suggests itself - eat only healthy foods, systematically engage in physical activity and walks in the fresh air.
Depressive state. It has become a scourge modern man. And with such a state of health, it is unlikely that it will be possible not only to remember new information, but also to reproduce old information. Therefore, we recommend that you take an active position in life and be able to experience such states.

Now you can proceed directly to exercises for better memorization of information. Of course, we will present only some of the techniques that have gained popularity due to their effectiveness. However, we emphasize once again that each person is individual, so you need to consciously and carefully answer test questions and select a set of exercises. Only with this approach will the result be effective.

Walk through the “Roman Room”, or Cicero’s Method

Cicero's fame spread throughout ancient Rome and the world at the speed of light. His talent for oratory is still used as an example to his contemporaries. He had a unique talent - he spoke in front of a huge audience without using half a story, recordings or other materials. However, was it a gift or painstaking work to develop memory skills?

It is his technique that we will consider in the following sections, because it is the most ancient method of remembering any information. Once you master it, you will be able to easily retain dates, numbers, words, phrases and other information. However, it is worth remembering that the main condition for achieving results is systematic work, i.e. you need to do it every day.

The meaning of the technique

Cicero's methods of memorization have a specific meaning, which is to create a matrix of images that help memorize large amounts of data, and not just one fragment. The first thing to do is to create a system in which images will be built.

Presentation on the topic: "Basics of the association method"

This system can be anything:

premises;
plot;
path;
familiar surroundings, etc.

If the work takes place in a room, then you should mentally remember all the objects that are in it. Preferably in an orderly manner. For example, in a clockwise direction or from one wall to another. Do not complicate the task when creating a system for associations; choose a room that you have studied well, then the next levels will not cause difficulties.

Some authors propose the creation of a radically new room, i.e. a person mentally creates a new home, makes a layout and arranges furniture. This will be the fruit of your imagination, which means it will be easier for you to cope with the task.

Working with the “path” image system, you can form many images, because this path has no end. In this case, as you move through the system, you need to sort through the objects that you will encounter: huts, stones, people, flowers, benches, animals, etc.

You can choose absolutely any convenient place as a system; the important condition is to correctly break it down into separate images.

Before starting practice, you need to clearly define the scheme by which you will bypass the selected system. Movements should not be chaotic - you should organize your walk through the rooms so as not to spoil everything that has been “put together” for so long.

An important point: select a specific sequence of movement and assign to those objects that are in the system the key fragments of the speech of the speech or presentation.

After you have created the system, filled it with objects and set the keys, you should go around the system (room, road...) several times and reproduce the specified criteria. This must be done immediately before the presentation. Before each performance, Cicero also walked around the rooms and reproduced images.

After a certain time, everyone who has used this technique will be able to activate their memory at the right moment, resorting to a convenient matrix of images.

Usage example

Let's look at a clear example of how to use Cicero's technique for memorizing information.

Let's take ten words necessary for memorization (numbers, events, speech points, foreign words). For example, these will be the following words: curtain, postcard, bird, sour cream, packaging, mouth, hair dryer, tambourine, book, speaker. You need to set them for specific objects of the selected system (for example, a room). Next, let's move on to the next level of the task.
Take a sheet of paper, a pencil and write down all the objects in the room. It doesn't matter how many there are. The main thing is that they create “niches” for our matrix. In addition, you should remember their location and in what order they are located. An approximate list of items in the room: window, sofa, wardrobe, TV, pouf, floor lamp, armchair, bookcase, shelf, piano, stove, rug and more.
The third thing is to connect the words from paragraph 2 with places with a list of points to remember.

Mnemonics for quick memorization

Cicero’s memorization methods are good, but there are other mnemonic techniques:

Rhyme the data. Creating a poetic form makes it easier to perceive information and, accordingly, reproduce it.
Create phrases from the initial letters of information.
Bunch. This technique involves establishing a connection between the obtained data and in an impressive way. For example, you need to remember the names of those present at the meeting - imagine that each of them is a hero of some fairy tale. For a more detailed connection, give the characters some kind of adjective. For example, “puss in boots” is a huge cat in sneakers.
Leads. The essence of the method is to replace digital values with objects. Let's say 0 is a pen, 2 is a cat, 3 is a ram, etc.

You won't know which method is right for you until you try it. Choose the best option and train every day.

Regardless of the technique you choose, it is important to understand the method and practice it as often as possible. Professionals in the field of mnemonics shared the secrets of working using the Cicero method:

You need to use only interesting connections, rich in emotions. Remember that the ordinary and uninteresting are quickly forgotten. Use paradox, satire and humor to create your own matrix.
Use erotic imagery. It is no secret that it is precisely such images that enter our brain especially clearly in the form of signals. By the way, marketers claim that advertising posters with a beautiful sexy girl are perceived and remembered better.
Change the characteristics of objects on the path/room/terrain. For example, let the window be airy and the chair be prickly.
Paradoxize the characteristics of objects. Don't put your pajamas in the closet, but put your pajamas in the closet.
All guidelines are for yourself: carry a notebook in your pocket, tie the TV to your hand.
Change the shape and size of objects. As in the example with the closet and pajamas.

As a result, you should end up with the following mental path (story), as an example:

Having opened the window, I noticed a CURTAIN stuck in the window sash. Next, I noticed scattered CARDS on the sofa, they were wet. There was apricot sour cream on the cabinet, with a BIRD sitting in it. There was a PACKAGING on the TV, and in it sat a puppy with his MOUTH open. A HAIRDRYER standing on a TAMBO was tied to his paw. On the pouf stood a small BOOK with a picture of a half-naked erotic brunette, at whose feet stood a SPEAKER.

To successfully reproduce using Cicero’s method, you should once again bypass the selected system and remove the above-mentioned objects. Just? Certainly. However, this requires thoughtful study of those words that you have already memorized. Then, do it yourself without using any hints. We believe that you will succeed!

Benefits of working with memory

The main advantages of the above methods are the simplicity and efficiency of the acquired information.

After a few practices, a person will be able to fully use the chosen scheme and improve his memory. Among other things, these techniques allow you to remember information of any type in preparation for a presentation, lecture, training, seminar, and even during an international speech.

If you already know the audience you need to speak to, then it can be an excellent matrix for creating images. At the same time, the ease is due to the fact that there is no need to remember a large volume of associations, which may collapse due to the absence of some detail. For example, if it is necessary to remember a specific phrase, a person can easily reproduce it by remembering what he attached the hairdryer to, and, therefore, complete the thought.

Of course, there are other methods of memorizing numbers and dates in verse, but we will talk about them in other sections of our educational and developmental portal.

Useful tips

Do you need to remember a large amount of information in a short time? Are you preparing for an exam? Do you want to improve your memory, increase your IQ and reduce your risk of developing senile dementia? Train your brain, don’t let it get bored and lazy, load it with useful information, and the more there is, the better!

We will tell you about techniques and small tricks that will help you remember the maximum information for a long time in a minimum of time.

1. Getting to the bottom of things

German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus compiled a “forgetting curve” that demonstrates how long new information can be stored in a person’s memory.

Thus, mechanical learning (or cramming) of material without delving into its meaning leads to the fact that in an hour you will remember about 60% of the new information, after 10 hours - 35%, and after 6 days from the depths of your memory you will extract no more than 20 % of material learned.

But meaningful information is stored in the so-called long-term memory, and, therefore, is remembered much longer, especially if it is repeated periodically. In addition, once you understand the essence of the material you are studying, you will remember it 9 times faster.

2. Spaced repetitions

Repetition is the mother of learning. And, indeed, the more often we repeat learned material, the lower the rate of forgetting it.

The method of spaced repetition will help you remember information of any volume.

If you need to quickly learn a verse or prepare in an emergency for an exam, use the following repetition algorithm:

the first – 20 minutes after memorization;
the second – after 6 – 8 hours;
the third - in a day.

If you have a large amount of information to remember that will be useful to you not only for the next day or week, follow this repetition interval:

first - directly on the day of memorization (repeat all the material);
the second – after 3 days (repeat only the key points that are highlighted by the author himself or you);
third - after 6 days (repeat all the information, but try to do it in a different order).

Another tip: Try to explain unclear or difficult-to-remember moments to someone. If there is no one willing to listen to a lecture on the theory of probability or the significance of the Renaissance in painting, simply speak out that part of the information that causes the greatest difficulty to your imaginary interlocutor. In the process of such presentation, the brain will automatically select the most simplified formulations.

3.Edge effect

This phenomenon, the discovery of which also belongs to G. Ebbinghaus, is that We remember faster and most accurately reproduce information located at the beginning and end of the text.

Don't believe me? Let's conduct a short test of attentiveness and memorization. We will voice a number of words that you need to repeat.

Chocolate, falling leaves, train, newspaper, radio waves, bed, tower, joy, sleep, construction site, pen, chess.

Which words from the list did you remember first? Chocolate and chess?

What about the words in the middle of the list? How many of them were you able to reproduce - three, five? Well, you have something to strive for.

But how does the edge effect help you remember information? Easily!

Read the text you need to learn. Select the most difficult parts and start learning them first or last.

Of course, we cannot say that the edge effect always works 100%, but in most cases it does work.

4. Feynman method

Richard Feynman, a theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate, formulated a learning algorithm that allows you to study any topic faster and more deeply.

This simple method based on explaining new and complex material in clear and simple language, making it easier to memorize.

The essence of the technique can be reduced to three simple points:

We write down everything we know about the topic that needs to be learned.
We identify “gaps” in knowledge and fill them, and new information should be written down in the simplest possible language, not containing complex terms and long sentences.
We combine all available information into one simple and interesting story, which must be written down on a piece of paper so that an eight-year-old child can understand it. And then we retell it.

Use comparisons, visualization (accompany notes with diagrams, graphs, drawings). Remember that we perceive 90% of information through vision.

You can record your story on a voice recorder or any other gadget, which will help you identify “blank spots” during the retelling that need to be worked out again.

You may argue that this method has been used for a long time without Feynman, and you will be absolutely right. Everything new is long forgotten old. Feynman systematized, structured and expanded this simple but effective method of memorization.

Using the Feynman method, you can make an interesting and fascinating story out of the most boring and uninteresting material, which both adults and children will understand and remember.

5. Massive memorization method

This method is familiar to us from school. It is as simple, understandable and bears fruit as possible.

Take notes on the material you need to learn. Write out the main points by hand, paraphrase them in a more understandable language, highlight important information using a contrasting color, use lists and numbering. This will help not only to delve into the material and remember it for a long time, but also, if necessary, to quickly refresh your memory of the main points.

But that’s not all, because we are talking about massive memorization, and, therefore, we use all the senses. Therefore, we not only rewrite and review the material, but also speak and listen to it.

6. Interference

Similar memories get mixed up - this is the essence of interference. New information, superimposed on similar old information, complicates the memorization process.

Here's a simple example: To unlock your gadget, you have been using the same pin code (picture, graphic symbol) for years. Over time, you get pretty tired of it, and you decide to change it. At first, every time you enter a new code or graphic symbol, the memory will automatically produce the old version of the code, so you will need some effort to remember the new combination. Several days or weeks will pass, and you will automatically remember the new code, while you will gradually forget the old one.

To reduce the negative impact of interference It is recommended to study similar information at different time intervals. If you do not have this opportunity, break the material into blocks and organize the memorization process in such a way that the parts of the text studied one after another are as dissimilar as possible.

And one more tip: If you need to master a large amount of information, do not just break it up into blocks, but also study it in different rooms (if you wish, you can do this on the street or in transport). Changing the environment when memorizing individual blocks will help avoid mixing information.

7. Memory Palace (mind palace)

Mnemonics with such a poetic name are based on the construction of an associative series. It allows you not only to distribute information into memory cells in small portions, but also to connect them together with logical associative threads.

Let’s say right away that this is a rather difficult technique for a beginner, but having mastered it, you will be able not only to quickly memorize information, but also to use only that part of it that is needed here and now, thereby not overloading the brain.

How to create lasting associative connections between familiar information and new information:

Select a place to “build” the castle. At first, it is better to use your apartment as familiar information, where everything is familiar to you down to the smallest detail. Over time, when you master the technique, you can “build” real palaces in your imagination.
Attach new images to interior items , which are usually called “strong points”. It is important that the strong points are highlighted sequentially: clockwise or counterclockwise. This will help to build logically understandable connections and not get confused in locations. In addition, the more emotional and extraordinary the associations are, the faster they will be remembered.
We turn on our imagination and come up with a short story, taking into account strong points and associations.

Let's look at how the method works using an example.

Let’s make a shopping list that includes 10 products (let’s not be original and take the basic set):

bagel;
sugar;
milk;
bananas;
potato;
chicken fillet;
eggs;
green onions;
cookie;
coffee.

Let's imagine our “memory palace”, or rather the kitchen, since we are going to the grocery store. Let us highlight the strongholds located clockwise in the following sequence:

door;
dinner table;
bowl of fruit on the dining table;
chair;
windowsill;
fridge;
table top;
bread box;
sink for washing dishes;
plate.

Let's start creating associative links:

We want to open the door to enter the kitchen, but there are three bagels hanging on the doorknob (you can change the number as needed).
We approach the dining table, which is covered with sugar.
Milk flows from a fruit bowl.
There is a banana peel on the chair.
Potatoes grow on the windowsill, just like in garden beds.
We open the refrigerator, and there a surprise awaits us in the form of a live chicken.
We see broken eggs on the countertop.
Green onion feathers stick out from the bread bin.
Instead of dishes, there are kilos of cookies in the sink.
And on the stove, despite all this chaos, a cup of aromatic black coffee is brewing.

It may seem that all this is stupid, ridiculous and requires a lot of time and effort (it’s easier to write a list of products on a piece of paper), but in fact, after a few trainings, you will be able to remember lists of 50 items. The main thing is not to change the situation in your location and the sequence of its passage.

Test the effectiveness of the technique for yourself and share your results in the comments.

8. Using mnemonics

In general, associative connections, which are the basis of mnemonics, are a powerful aid in memorizing information:

Use mnemonic phrases: Since childhood, we all remember the colors of the rainbow and their location thanks to the expression “Every hunter wants to know where the pheasant sits.”
Rhyme the information , which is difficult for you to remember.
Helps to master new material humming (remember how in childhood we learned poetry in a chant manner). Auditory associations helped many of us learn the English alphabet with the famous song "ABC song". And in general: if you remember information more easily by ear, just record it on a voice recorder or any other gadget. In addition, it is very convenient, because you can repeat the material anytime and anywhere – in transport or while jogging.
Visualize: draw diagrams, diagrams, graphs, create whole pictures, even if they are understandable only to you, and not only on paper, but also in your imagination.

Scientists are sure: the ability to memorize information well has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence. If he quickly forgets what he read, this in no way characterizes his mental abilities. The point here is different: a person uses ineffective methods of memorization. But how to choose the right method to remember everything? It’s not so simple: we receive a lot of conflicting advice not only from friends and family, but also from teachers at school and university.

Fortunately, a reputable psychology publication recently published a list of the five most common mistakes that people make when trying to remember this or that information. Scientists also provided effective tips that will help effectively train your memory.

Mistake #1: Overreading

What do we do to remember, for example, a definition from a dictionary? That’s right, we re-read it several times, memorize the information. You read one text over and over again until you can repeat it as written in the textbook. It’s interesting, but you may not even fully understand the meaning of the statement.

Therefore, psychologists consider this technique ineffective. The essence of the phrase did not reach you. This means that it will not remain in your memory for long.

Systematic rereading

How to improve memory and remember correctly? Scientists advise turning to the same re-reading! But in a completely different way:

If you understand that you cannot reproduce the required information exactly, then you should still turn to re-reading, but systematically.
Read the text. Get distracted by other things. Re-read it again after an equal period of time. Several such sessions are enough for the information to remain in your head.
In this way, you can improve your memory well. Periodically re-read the data that is important to you after a week, month, etc.
Try not only to memorize, but also to understand the text and highlight its essence. This will help you remember it for a long time.

Mistake #2: Underlining

In schools and universities, teachers teach pupils and students from the first classes to highlight the main concept, the main idea of each paragraph, paragraph, paragraph. And this seems effective to many: you don’t just re-read the text, but analyze it for the main idea, the keyword. And with subsequent repetition, the underlined words help you concentrate immediately on the main thing.

Very effective for memorization, isn't it? But many students note that the technique does not work! The fact is that most students simply mindlessly underline almost every paragraph. How can this method be made more effective?

Pause and repeat

The method does not work because from the first reading it is sometimes difficult to understand the meaning of the text, much less highlight its main idea. Therefore, psychologists advise reading the passage thoughtfully, pausing, and “digesting” the information. And when you read it again, highlight in the text what seemed most important to you.

This makes your brain more active in processing information. Which ultimately contributes to better memory.

Mistake #3: Notes

In student libraries, a very standard picture: a young man reads a book and makes notes accordingly in his notebook. Someone writes the main idea, someone writes key phrases, someone sketches an outline of what they read, someone writes a summary with questions reflecting the essence of the text. This method is somewhat similar to the previous one. Teachers also adhere to it - probably in class you were given the task of making an outline of a paragraph.

But, alas, sometimes even this common method is unsuccessful! What's the matter? In most cases in excess. Students put a lot of irrelevant information into their notes, which distracts them from remembering the main ideas of the text.

Keep it short!

Modern scientists also believe that note-taking helps you remember important information. But only short and concise. The fewer words a student leaves in his notes, the greater the chance that the information will linger in his head for a long time.

What is this connected with? Psychologists explain this: the brevity of what is written forces the brain to supplement and paraphrase the text in order to make it coherent and logical. And this also makes us think about main idea, stimulates more active brain function.

Because of all of the above, experts also advise giving up your laptop or tablet. If you want to remember information, be sure to write it with a pen or pencil on paper. The fact is that this way you enter data more slowly, which allows it to linger more firmly in your memory. Entering information at lightning speed does not help this.

Mistake #4: Generalizing

Many teachers conduct a summary lesson at the end of studying a large section of a topic. Here, students are invited to look at all previously studied material from a “bird’s eye view”, highlight the key points of what they have learned, structure their knowledge, and build logical connections between them. And experts agree that such classes really allow you to consolidate what you have learned in your memory.

But if the teacher does not conduct such lessons, then rare students do them on their own. And they are being lazy here absolutely in vain.

"Skeleton" theme

Modern psychologists are sure: systematization of existing knowledge is one of the main keys for high-quality memorization. If there is scattered, unrelated information in your head, a kind of chaos, then it is very easy to lose sight of, forget the important. It’s the same thing when knowledge is “sorted into shelves”, you clearly trace their connection and interflow in your head.

Therefore, it is very important, after going through a large section in a lesson or on your own at home, to take time to systematize the knowledge acquired and compile its “skeleton”.

Some teachers advise following a slightly different strategy. It is necessary from the beginning of studying new topic compose its “skeleton”: main thoughts, formulas, key expressions that you learned in class. Thus, by the end of the course, you will only have to repeat the complete but concise outline of the topic drawn up in advance.

Mistake #5: Memorizing quickly

Many students ignore all of the above, leaving the study of the material until the last night before the exam. This may seem like a very dangerous overconfidence to some, but the fact remains: students who memorize the material in one night actually, in some cases, pass the exam quite successfully!

So, preliminary preparation and all of the above are a myth? Why waste time in libraries and on your notes?

Beware of overconfidence

Psychologists answer this way: indeed, for a certain category of people the most effective is a quick method of memorization. A person’s attitude also plays a big role here: if he is confident that he knows the topic, that his knowledge is enough for a good assessment, reality will not disappoint him.

But at the same time, you can easily overestimate your knowledge and memory capabilities. There’s just one “I’ll hand over everything!” few. Psychologists have long known the fact: “quick” knowledge lasts only until the exam. Once you have answered the examiner, they disappear from your mind.

If you are not studying because of good grades, but want to qualitatively remember everything important that is given to you in class, then you should refuse to quickly memorize. Instead, it is preferable to systematically study the material throughout the course.

Successful techniques for memorizing information are already known to you. But not everyone uses them correctly. The article showed how to correct common mistakes.