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Tips on Effective Memorization and Retention Techniques
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A thread
I received a request on CC about how to memorize effectively & info retention itself. We have the same problem before til I learned the art of effective studying and info retention. The following tips and techniques I am about to present is based on what I used or works for me.
1. STUDY PLAN AND LISTINGS
First you should have a study plan, listing all subjects in order of priorities.
Tip: Put the difficult subject on top, since it will take more of your time and the need to focus on it demands more. Then the easiest will be on the bottom.
First you should have a study plan, listing all subjects in order of priorities.
Tip: Put the difficult subject on top, since it will take more of your time and the need to focus on it demands more. Then the easiest will be on the bottom.
2. READING IS THE STARTER
Start studying by reading the chapter or the topic with comprehension. Again, "WITH COMPREHENSION". Reading without understanding will mean nothing, instead a waste of time. If you have to read slow to understand, so be it. Understanding is the goal.
Start studying by reading the chapter or the topic with comprehension. Again, "WITH COMPREHENSION". Reading without understanding will mean nothing, instead a waste of time. If you have to read slow to understand, so be it. Understanding is the goal.
Tip: On step 2, Do not write anything yet. Focus on understanding what you read, it will retain on your long term memory if you understand it.
If the topic is confusing, you can do cross referencing. Do not leave a topic misunderstood. Let your curiosity do the digging.
If the topic is confusing, you can do cross referencing. Do not leave a topic misunderstood. Let your curiosity do the digging.
3. REPETITION IS COMPREHENSION
After reading, go back, READ AGAIN and start marking important words. Then next is taking notes.
After reading, go back, READ AGAIN and start marking important words. Then next is taking notes.
4. WRITING IS ALSO MEMORIZING
When taking notes, make it as brief as possible. While reading again your materials, write down the necessary. Only the necessary. Don't write everything, you might end up copyright the book itself.
It is such a waste of time.
When taking notes, make it as brief as possible. While reading again your materials, write down the necessary. Only the necessary. Don't write everything, you might end up copyright the book itself.
It is such a waste of time.
Trick: If you understand what you read, this part of note taking will be as easy as it can be. So I mean it when I tell you, "understand what you read". Only write what is important. Make this short and accurate.
5. WORD ASSOCIATION/ ACTUALIZATION
Summarize using mnemonics. Seem easy, right? Yes, it is. Be creative in associating it. You can use letters, numbers, colors, cartoon characters or whatever it is that you like. Just make sure you'll remember what you need to remember.
Summarize using mnemonics. Seem easy, right? Yes, it is. Be creative in associating it. You can use letters, numbers, colors, cartoon characters or whatever it is that you like. Just make sure you'll remember what you need to remember.
Tip: I associated it with a song and scent because I used to listen to those while studying and scent because smell has a direct connection to my memory. Weird right? But it worked for me, I am a fan if scented candle and aroma essences.
Weird right? But it worked for me, I am a fan if scented candle and aroma essences.
6. CUT DISTRACTIONS
Shutdown your social medias during study period. I mean it seriously. A distraction is a temptation. If you can control it then control external factors that can ruin your study mood. Turn of that notif of all kind. Or just throw your phone away from you.
Shutdown your social medias during study period. I mean it seriously. A distraction is a temptation. If you can control it then control external factors that can ruin your study mood. Turn of that notif of all kind. Or just throw your phone away from you.
7. TAKING BREAKS IS PART OF THE PROCESS
After summarizing, take a rest for awhile. As I have mentioned on my previous tweet, set a timer in studying. Maximum of 2hrs per subject...then break. A 15-30mins break is most effective. Nothing more because it will only make you lazy.
After summarizing, take a rest for awhile. As I have mentioned on my previous tweet, set a timer in studying. Maximum of 2hrs per subject...then break. A 15-30mins break is most effective. Nothing more because it will only make you lazy.
8. EXERCISE AND STRETCH
While on break or you can make it a habit, do exercise or stretching. Yoga is also advisable for the brain (but I am not doing this). A healthy body is a healthy mind also. Your mind will also be awake if you are physically active rather than being lazy.
While on break or you can make it a habit, do exercise or stretching. Yoga is also advisable for the brain (but I am not doing this). A healthy body is a healthy mind also. Your mind will also be awake if you are physically active rather than being lazy.
9. MEMORIZING YOUR NOTES
This is what my Literature professor taught me during my stage play and musical years in HS is memorizing your notes by reading it again and again until your mind knows what is next without even thinking bout it. Your mind will do the saving.
This is what my Literature professor taught me during my stage play and musical years in HS is memorizing your notes by reading it again and again until your mind knows what is next without even thinking bout it. Your mind will do the saving.
Read it again and again and again. Then it stays in your mind. Word per word, even the period.
How about Anatomy? Biochem? Physio? or other Illustrations?
Next step is image retention.
How about Anatomy? Biochem? Physio? or other Illustrations?
Next step is image retention.
10. PHOTOGRAPHIC RETENTION
How do you remember a scene in a movie? Did you memorize it? Or you just loved that exact scene that is why you will always remember it? Must be the love? Or the hate? Or the scenic view itself?
How do you remember a scene in a movie? Did you memorize it? Or you just loved that exact scene that is why you will always remember it? Must be the love? Or the hate? Or the scenic view itself?
Same in studying illustrations, if you are into drawing sketch it with love. Be specific with details. Focus on the characteristics- similarities and differences. Learn the mechanics of opposites and parallels- this is really helpful.
If you are not into drawing you can find a good illustration, print it out and label those just the way you want.
Anything personalized will help you remember and retain that memory longer and effectively.
Anything personalized will help you remember and retain that memory longer and effectively.
Trick: I don't know if this applies to all but as for me when I was in medschool mostly if I am already tired studying, I just stare on the image for a minute or 2, like a blank stare then it registered as photographic memory for me. 
Am I weird? Okay, yes it works for me.
Am I weird? Okay, yes it works for me.
11. RECITE IT OUT LOUD OR LECTURE THE MIRROR
Yes, I know lots have been used to vocally recite out loud while memorizing. It is totally fine as long as you don't disturb other people. If it works for you then go. If you said just the wrong item, correct yourself out loud too.
Yes, I know lots have been used to vocally recite out loud while memorizing. It is totally fine as long as you don't disturb other people.
If it works for you then go. If you said just the wrong item, correct yourself out loud too.
Argue if you must because sometimes in argument you will find out that you understand it well if you know how to defend your point. Yes, sounds crazy but I don't see it wrong. You can also do lecture infront of the mirror as if you are teaching someone. It works uniquely.
It works uniquely.
12. TEST YOURSELF.
You can test yourself. Have set of questions or a quiz type. Measure the amount of learning you have after studying. Those wrong answers, go back to that topic and review.
You can test yourself. Have set of questions or a quiz type. Measure the amount of learning you have after studying. Those wrong answers, go back to that topic and review.
13. VISUALIZATION
In visualization, my imagination has been my key element to this. I associate what is defined in the book versus in the actual. Like for example, parts of the brain. I imagine how the brain looks like, think of the characteristics until the whole thing is saved
In visualization, my imagination has been my key element to this. I associate what is defined in the book versus in the actual. Like for example, parts of the brain. I imagine how the brain looks like, think of the characteristics until the whole thing is saved
Sounds difficult right? But use your imagination and element association in your memory.
Trick: Make up stories in your mind if needed.
Trick: Make up stories in your mind if needed.
14. SLEEP OVER IT
After you run through studying, let yourself sleep. Sleeping after studying is essential, your mind tends to remember the very last thing you do or input in your memory.
After you run through studying, let yourself sleep. Sleeping after studying is essential, your mind tends to remember the very last thing you do or input in your memory.
15. REPETITION IS RETENTION
Do not settle for one time studying. Repeat reading your notes, scan through it. Do not cram it will ruin the good stored informations.
Do not settle for one time studying. Repeat reading your notes, scan through it. Do not cram it will ruin the good stored informations.
Additional tips:
1. Do cross-referencing when needed or confused only.
2. Use the best study materials. If your school recommends something, use it or any updated resources not outdated because medicine is an evolving field.
1. Do cross-referencing when needed or confused only.
2. Use the best study materials. If your school recommends something, use it or any updated resources not outdated because medicine is an evolving field.
3. Be creative in setting your study plan and making your notes.
4. Don't pressure yourself. Relax your mind while studying. The more you are conscious in finishing early the lesser the quality of learning.
5. Studying is mandatory but sleep is essential.
4. Don't pressure yourself. Relax your mind while studying. The more you are conscious in finishing early the lesser the quality of learning.
5. Studying is mandatory but sleep is essential.
6. Focus is a must. Maintain positive mindset.
In studying, READING WITH COMPREHENSION is the real key, not memorization. You will always remember what you understand. So memorization of words will only become a back up.
In studying, READING WITH COMPREHENSION is the real key, not memorization. You will always remember what you understand. So memorization of words will only become a back up.
Note: Taking brain food supplements is not good and never will. It will only damage your body in the long run and as its packaging says "no approved therapeutic claim." Beware. 
Disclaimer: These are my personal tips and techniques which works for me during medschool. This might not apply to all but at least I hope it can help.
Have a lovely Medschool journey.
-Dr. RAY, Neurosurgeon
Have a lovely Medschool journey.
-Dr. RAY, Neurosurgeon
https://twitter.com/rei_aiaMD/status/1296386831907520512?s=19
Just incase you missed this thread too. You may check for your reference.
Just incase you missed this thread too. You may check for your reference.
