People are exposed to vast amounts of data every day, but the majority of it is forgotten and not stored in the brain. This means that individuals may not be utilizing their time efficiently and effectively. The problem of forgetting becomes particularly evident when attempting to memorize new vocabulary in a foreign language one is learning.
Five ways to improve memory and accelerate memorization
1. Elaborating on the Information
The meaning represents the difference between our emotional understanding of a piece of information and our forgetting of it. For instance, a researcher presented a picture of a man's face to two other individuals. They informed one person that the man in the picture works as a "baker," while they told the other person that the man's nickname is "Baker." After several days, the researcher showed them the same picture and asked about it. The person who was told that the man in the picture works as a baker was more likely to remember it with greater ease.
The scientific explanation for this result suggests that hearing the word "baker" stimulates the brain to associate vivid visual representations with the meaning of the word "baker." There are many vivid visual images associated with the word "baker" that add more meaning to it, such as images of bread preparation or a baker wearing a large white hat. On the other hand, the word "Baker" is devoid of meaning unless you happen to know someone with that name.
This theory is known as the "Baker/baker paradox," and it teaches us the importance of training ourselves to attach additional meaning to the information we want to remember.
2. Engaging in Physical Exercise
Athletes rarely experience memory disorders because engaging in physical exercises helps stimulate blood circulation, increase oxygen supply to the brain, and ultimately improve its functional performance. Studies also suggest that walking for 150 minutes per week reduces the risk of dementia and age-related memory-loss disorders.
Physical exercises stimulate the release of dopamine, a hormone responsible for reducing psychological stress and depression in humans. These factors are among the primary causes of memory loss.
3. Mind Training
While it's easy for people to notice the physical benefits of engaging in physical exercises, they often overlook the importance of training their minds. Mental exercises undoubtedly improve memory functions and reduce the risk of cognitive diseases, even if the improvements are not as immediately noticeable as those from physical workouts.
Based on the above, it is advisable to invest the time typically spent watching TV shows in learning a new language, practicing brain training games, or playing chess with a friend, for example. Experiments have shown that engaging in mental exercises during breaks from work contributes to improving brain functions.
Here are some ideas to stimulate brain functions:
- Learning a new language.
- Enrolling in a course on a subject you haven't explored before.
- Learning to play a musical instrument.
- Reading books that contradict your personal beliefs to broaden your perspective.
4. Explaining Information to Others
The educational process, according to the common understanding among students, typically involves listening to lectures and taking notes for later retention. Research has shown that people retain information according to the following percentages:
- 5% from lectures.
- 10% from reading.
- 20% from visual and auditory learning sources.
- 30% when exposed to demonstrations or illustrations.
- 50% when engaged in group discussions related to the subject.
- 75% when applied.
- 90% when teaching someone else or using it in practical applications.
This means that the method commonly used by most students for memorizing information is the least effective in the learning process. Memorization becomes more efficient when you teach the information to someone else or directly apply it in real life situations. The effectiveness of this method is attributed to its ability to compel the brain to focus in order to avoid making errors while explaining the idea to others or applying it practically.
For this reason, live interactive lessons are conducted on the Rype platform, which is dedicated to language learning. This allows students to apply what they have learned directly within the session with their teachers. In summary, if you want to memorize specific information, try teaching and explaining it to someone else instead of merely taking notes.
5. Sleeping
Most individuals underestimate the importance of this step, even though it is crucial. People generally understand the benefits of getting an adequate amount of sleep before an important event, but they often do not allocate sufficient time to rest their brains after the event. Additionally, the human brain requires some rest to assimilate the information it has received during the day.
There are simple measures, such as taking short breaks or using computer glasses, that can improve the quality of sleep. It's also essential to ensure a distraction-free environment during sleep. Additionally, you can go for a long walk, take a stroll in the town park, or simply take a quick nap to help with rest and relaxation.
Add comment