Everyone is expected
to understand how to commit whatever they learn or read into memory in such a
way that it can be easily recalled during test or examination. Many students fail in examination because of inability
to recall and answer questions. Period of study will amount to nothing if what
is learnt is not properly committed into memory. This aspect of studying is referred to as
memorization. Christians have blessed memory which must be put into active use (Proverbs 10:7).
Human mind works like
video tape or computer memory. It is important therefore for students at junior
level to learn and develop good principles of memory improvement.
PLANNING
There cannot be
memory improvement until there is an effective study plan. The rate of learning and retention can be improved with
simple practices which include:
- Understand what you
study. You cannot do this until you the
meanings of the words that make up what you are studying.
- Develop
interest in the subject.
- Think through
on what you are learning.
- Use effective
study methods like the popular SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite and
Review) method.
PRINCIPLE
Human memory
is in two forms namely short-term memory and long-term memory. Short term memory lasts for about 20 to 30
seconds without rehearsal of the information but if rehearsed, it will last as
long as the rehearsal continues. Long
term memory is more permanent. The
process of memorization therefore has to do with transferring things from short
time memory into long term memory. When this process is not well undertaken,
then, a learner goes into the realm of forgetting.
Retention is the amount of material you can remember. The first
process of memory improvement is concentration.
Disturbances or interference during studying affects our retention.
To improve our
retention ability, the following principles can be adopted:
- Attention:
Active involvement and effective participation in classes or study. Ask relevant
questions to clarify your doubt.
- Recitation: This can be in forms of - thinking about
it, writing it out, visualizing it, or saying it out loud, explaining to
others.
- Association: - linking new ideas with familiar ones
in the environment e.g. associating scarcity concept with the last fuel
scarcity.
- Use of concrete imagery whenever
possible. Close your eyes, get a picture of the explanation and then summarise
answer.
- Relationship: - linking new
ideas or topics to previous one in the subject area
- Formula method: Shorthand way
of expressing long statements of fact. e.g. A = L x B,to express Area of a
rectangle is equal to the product of length and breadth of the rectangle.
- Use of Rhythm: Associating what is studied or learnt
with a sound or poem pattern e.g. 30 days in September.
viii.
Mnemonics: Using symbols to
represent and recollect difficult ideas.
e.g. Periodic Table, The names
of the 12 Disciples - Bart (Bartholomew) and (Andrew) John fill (Phillip)Tom's
mat (Matthew) (with) 2 James's, 2 Simons, and 2 Judas's.". Trigonometry – sin, cosine and tangent - SOHCAHTOA
or One Ancient Teacher Of History Swore At His
Class. MR NIGER for characteristics of living
things.
- Sharing. Try making the
idea clear to a friend without referring to your book or notes. Sharing an
idea helps to expand your reasoning ability during the process of talking.
- Before - Class and After-Class Reading
- form the habit of going through lessons to be
taught before classes and immediately after, asking and answering questions
will assist in assimilation.
PROFITING
Effective memory
improvement will enrich your knowledge and prepare you well for examination. It will bring success, promotion and happiness
in your life. Moreover, it will make you to avoid examination malpractice, develop
a wholesome personality and be first among equals.
You too can be a
genius. Indeed you are one already.
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