Improve Memory while Studying
Becoming an adult student has its own challenges. Not only we have to balance our life and study (which is not so hard among many younger students since most of them do not have responsibilities as many as adults), but also deal with cognitive problems related to things such as memories.
There are many ways to improve memory while studying, contrary to popular beliefs about sitting-still style of studying. If you think that you have difficulties in retaining your memory during your study session, here are some tips based on New York Times article by Benedict Carey, “Forget What You Know about Good Study Habits.”
- Vary the study space
Dr. Robert A. Bjork, psychologist at the University of California, L.A., stated, “What we think is happening here is that, when the outside context is varied, the information is enriched, and this slows down forgetting.” In other words, to have better result and improve your memory, you should vary your study space. That means having a neat, well-lit study room or space, with windows that enable you to see the view. - Vary what you study
In the world of sport, athletes practice cross-training to improve their skills. This can also be applied in studying. Varying the type of material studied in a single sitting, such as alternating between vocabulary, grammar, and listening practice when studying English, leaves a deeper impression on the brain than does concentrating on just one skill at a time, - Test yourself often
Having a test is not only beneficial for evaluation purpose; it also serves as reinforcement for the brain to memorize certain information. By challenging the brain to regularly retrieve information, it will be restored in the brain in a more accessible way for the future use. Dr. Nate Kornell, a psychologist at Williams College, stated, “The idea is that forgetting is the friend of learning. When you forget something, it allows you to relearn, and do so effectively, the next time you see it.”
