Quote:
Originally Posted by eali  I wonder if anyone has a good technique for memorizing strings of ideas with complex scientific terms, like ideas from a textbook. The problem is that these terms either do not sound like something familiar, (English isn't my first language, and I learn in English, so...) or lack a concrete meaning in my mind that can be memorized as, say, a picture. |
First of all, the terms do not have to sound familiar, if the parts, the syllables bring up some images it is enough. And since scientific terms usually have indo-european roots, I think something would pop into your mind.
Second, think about how you understand the terms? How do you know what does a term mean? It may not be the picture, but there must be some internal representation. May be you have the sound, or even a feeling of the meaning. It may take some time to bring this to your conscious attention, but it is there and you can use it for memorizing. Being in the right state of mind helps. Sometimes, it is difficult to bring up the image while staring intently at the word on a page. It may help to relax, look up and enter a dreamy state and asking yourself what
could the image be for this word,
if it had one, and then wait for anything that pops into your head.
Hope this helps a bit.