So many teenagers struggle with memory,
And to be honest,
I would too,
If I wasn’t taught how to memorise effectively.
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Unfortunately, the education system is stretched to the limit,
Meaning that most students are dumped with huge textbooks,
For 8, 9 or 10 different subjects,
And they are expected to ‘memorise it all’,
Without any specific guidance on how to do so.
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There are many different ways I could have written a newsletter about memory,
But I wanted to take the opportunity to make this newsletter as actionable as possible.
By providing you with three immediate ways,
Your teenager could improve their memorisation,
Today.
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Way Number 1: Better Notes
Let’s start simple.
Until recently I underappreciated how most students do not know how to make ‘good’ notes.
So what makes a good flash card?
- A lack of words – We want to keep our flash cards to one point per card.
- Using Questions – Flash cards are shown to be significantly more effective if we can use a question and then have the answer on the back. For example: How does Photosynthesis work? Would go on the front and then your answer would go on the back.
- Images – The worst kept secret when it comes to memory research is that our brain remember image far better than words. Adding images to our notes in whatever form possible should significantly improve your chances of recalling the information.
When it comes to notes more broadly.
I would encourage students to try and summarise the information and then put it into their own words.
I know this is difficult.
And it takes effort.
Especially for students who are struggling to understand what they are reading.
But this word struggle is unfortunately the key.
By struggling we improve the connections in our brain for recall later on.
The more we struggle now,
The more we will remember later.
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Way Number 2: Habit Stacking
This is one of my favorite actionable tips,
That most people will read and will not do.
But those who do, will see a significant benefit in no time.
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We want to make it easy for students to memorise effectively.
And a central key to this is regular short, sharp bursts of practice.
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However, were all lazy at times,
And when there is too much friction,
Students will not bother to dig up their flash cards so they can go over them for 5 minutes.
Therefore,
We need to strategically place small stacks of flash cards in opportune places around the house.
If we can intertwine flash cards with our everyday lives,
Stacking the habit of going over flash cards with something we always do,
We will practice more regularly and systematically.
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My favorite places to store flash cards are:
By a tooth brush.
In the car.
On top of your laptop keyboard.
On the coffee table.
You take your pick.
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Way Number 3: Intentional Practice
This is the most airy fairly tip but probably the one with the greatest potential to make a significant impact.
Most students go about memorisation fairly randomly.
There is no systematic plan or strategy accompanying their revision.
Which therefore shows us why it is so often ineffective.
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The aim of the game is to go over information when we have to somewhat struggle to remember it.
No sooner,
No later.
We then progressively elongate the amount of time between memorisation sessions on those pieces of information.
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This type of intentional practice is significantly aided by keeping track of your memorisation sessions.
Whether you use a spreadsheet,
A list,
Or just try and be more conscious with your decision-making thinking about the above.
You will see the difference being intentional about your practice will have.
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I hope you have a great week ahead,
Best wishes,
Joel