Tips on remembering information

As I said, every bit of information enters your working memory. You can only access it if you can "transfer" it to your Long Term Memory. So how to do that?

1. Read textbook / notes / articles BEFORE you go to class. That allows you to better undertsand what is being said in class.

2. Write your own notes - this is very important as it forces you to use different senses and really helps to transfer information to your LTM

3. Draw mind-maps to understand the link between ideas in class. Mind maps are one of the most powerful tools to learn and you can find lots of information about them on the Net

4. Recite information regularly. The combination of reading before going to class, writing during class and reciting after class really helps settle information in your LTM.

5. If your know that your exam is going to be based on essays, practice writing essays. Take a topic and write the essay with all your notes by your side. That helps you organize your ideas. Do that a few times, and you will be ready to score As without trouble

6. Do all of this regularly throughout the semester and you won't have to sweat for the finals. Having taught thousands of students over the years, I have learnt one thing. Students do not score because they are particularly intelligent (although that helps!) but, they score because they start studying early and they put in enough time to get the job done. If student A studies 1 h everyday and student B studies 3 h every day, guess who is going to score? No surprise right?