Try finding ways to relate the subject matter to something you are interested in. If you’re learning about something for school, for example, try to find ways to relate that subject to a subject that you’re actually interested in. Even looking for connections may make the subject more interesting to you. If you can find ways to explore the subject on your own terms, you may find yourself more engaged and interested over time.
You already practice chunking on a smaller scale, though you may not be aware of it as such. For example, when you memorize a phone number, you usually memorize the area code, first three digits, and final four digits, rather than as a single number. [4] X Research source Try splitting information into its logical sections and components. For example, if you’re trying to learn 20th Century world history, you might break it down into major wars/conflicts, notable people in politics, etc. As you practice chunking, try to remain cognizant of the relationship between each component as it relates to the larger subject. [5] X Research source
Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it consistently. If you can’t make time to practice/learn every single day, schedule time for it as frequently as you can manage.
Being told when you’re doing something incorrectly (and when you’re doing it correctly) can help you identify what needs to change so that you don’t waste time learning things incorrectly. Try practicing your new skill/study material/etc. with someone who’s familiar with that concept. If you don’t know anyone who’s an expert, a trusted friend whose input you value will still be helpful.
Most teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, though some may need even more sleep. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Adults generally need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, though some adults may need more than nine hours of sleep.
Memory is largely visual, so pinning some type of visual element to the word, name, or series of actions you’re trying to memorize can help you cement that concept in your memory. If you’re trying to remember that someone you’ve met is named Nathan, for example, you might think about Nathan’s nose to associate the name Nathan with the physical shape or size of his nose. Any other sensory information you can pair with a visual memory will only strengthen that memory in your mind. [12] X Trustworthy Source Simply Psychology Popular site for evidence-based psychology information Go to source
Your practice and repetition should be conducted on a regular basis. Try to avoid cramming, as this is not a good way to memorize or learn new things. Space your repetition out over a longer span of time to maximize your results.
Acronyms - this involves using the first letter or letters from a name or phrase to form a new word or phrase that’s easier to remember. One of the most common acronyms used by music students is remembering the musical staff EGBDF with the phrase “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge. " Rhymes - many students rhyme names, dates, or phrases to help make those concepts easier to recall. For example, substituting the words of a song you like with the names/terms from a lesson plan may make it easier to remember those terms on an exam. The Method of Loci - this mnemonic device uses a mental image of some place you know intimately (like your bedroom, or the rooms of your house as a whole). Then you assign each term/name to a spot within that location and visualize it as though it were a tangible object in that space.
If you have a hard time setting aside large chunks of time to practice, try making it a point to practice in whatever small increments you can spare. For example, if you can’t sit for an hour each day to practice, commit to practicing in 15 minute blocks four times each day.
If you’re trying to master a new instrument, practice your scales or chords and see how many you can complete by memory. If you’ve been trying to learn a new skill, try forcing yourself to complete the first few steps without consulting the instructions. This will give you a good gauge of how much you’ve learned so far, and you can extend your memorized recitations as you progress. If you’re studying scholarly subject matter (take vocabulary words, for example), try testing yourself with flash cards. Write a name/term on one side, the definition on the other side, and as you quiz yourself pay attention to which terms/names you struggle with.
