Your favorite memorization technique?

[toasterwater]

Many of you have probably read Steve's articles on learning advanced memorization techniques for use in college/other applications.

I'm probably going to invest some time into learning one (maybe relearning as I did play with this a few years ago) soon and I just wanted to get some feedback from others.

1. What technique(s) do you use?

2. How long have you been using it/them?

3. How long did it take you to learn?

4. What applications have you used it/them for?

5. And how well have they worked for you? Please include examples illustrating your point.

6. Any other useful information you find pertinent.

Thanks!

[Manomanman]

The best technique is visualization, hands-down.

If you're going to memorize walls of pointless conceptual information (i.e. college), visualize the location of the information on the page. This is because the spatial relationships between concepts give you important information regarding the intellectual scaffolding that holds them together. It is this scaffolding that most questions are derived from in public education.

[Scipio]

The biggest impact on my long term memorization of data is not a technique. It is a method of reviewing, that can be successfully combined with any technique. In fact, most people combine it with other techniques such as imaginative memory. I am talking about using Spaced Repetition Software. Two free spaced repetition software programs are Anki and Mnemosyne.

Anki - friendly, intelligent flashcards
Welcome to the Mnemosyne Project | The Mnemosyne Project

I recommend watching the introduction videos on the Anki site to see what spaced repetition is, and why it will be helpful to you.

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As far as techniques, a method I have been using to memorize the Kanji and Kana is imaginative memory. I have been guided through it with the help of the book "Remembering the Kanji" by Dr James Heisig. There is a site with a forum and explanation called Reviewing the Kanji which teaches you about imaginative memory for learning the Kanji (although imaginative memory can be used for anything). In this case, it consists of making stories which can be seen as pictures or scenes which are emotionally strong, which anchor the character into your mind.



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If you are talking about working memory (sometimes called short term memory), like the amount of figures you can keep in your consciousness simultaneously, allowing you to process information, then I would recommend downloading a free dual-n-back training program. A study by Jaeggi et al. showed an increase in working memory from this type of training. It takes a lot of effort so it's understandable.

Brain Workshop - a Dual N-Back game

[Jaycee]

Thanks Scipio, your post was really helpful.

In the past, I've had much trouble with commiting things to long term memory - sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn't.

Anki seems like a really good tool for automatic reviewing. I'll definitely try that one out.

Imaginative memory sounds really useful too. Time for some reading.

[PerDev]

Thank you Scipio, Memory technique you describe is Great .. and can be useful.

The one with the working memory is very significant i believe as it will remind me with the things i need to do in day and within weeks.
I am currently using my Mobile Task function for the same. as its very near to me and convenient.

Originally Posted by Scipio

The biggest impact on my long term memorization of data is not a technique. It is a method of reviewing, that can be successfully combined with any technique. In fact, most people combine it with other techniques such as imaginative memory. I am talking about using Spaced Repetition Software. Two free spaced repetition software programs are Anki and Mnemosyne.

Anki - friendly, intelligent flashcards
Welcome to the Mnemosyne Project | The Mnemosyne Project

I recommend watching the introduction videos on the Anki site to see what spaced repetition is, and why it will be helpful to you.

-------------------

As far as techniques, a method I have been using to memorize the Kanji and Kana is imaginative memory. I have been guided through it with the help of the book "Remembering the Kanji" by Dr James Heisig. There is a site with a forum and explanation called Reviewing the Kanji which teaches you about imaginative memory for learning the Kanji (although imaginative memory can be used for anything). In this case, it consists of making stories which can be seen as pictures or scenes which are emotionally strong, which anchor the character into your mind.



---------------------


If you are talking about working memory (sometimes called short term memory), like the amount of figures you can keep in your consciousness simultaneously, allowing you to process information, then I would recommend downloading a free dual-n-back training program. A study by Jaeggi et al. showed an increase in working memory from this type of training. It takes a lot of effort so it's understandable.

Brain Workshop - a Dual N-Back game

[johnpaul]

There is always good memory retention when you pay attention to what you really want to learn and understand. Just like when you’re writing and rewriting main points. When you have all the important details up in your head and then when you write down the details for several times, the tendency is you’ll be able to rewrite the same information again without looking at the original notes you’ve made. This is one obvious memorization method you can always use when studying for an examination.

Linking and association is also a proven memorization technique. Apply this using your own style by taking a part of the information and link it with your favorite pen you use during the subject or even the faces of your own classmates. You can also create your own simple memorization method by creating groupings for the words or picking the items out alphabetically.

To assess how much information you’ve already acquired, ask a friend or a classmate and conjure your own set of exam. Exchange them and answer the questions and see how well you score.

[toasterwater]

@Scipio

Wow! That is incredible. After watching the tutorials, I am already in the process of downloading this program on my computer, and hopefully there is an interface for my blackberry.

This looks like a very powerful resource, and it is tagged at that nearly mythological price of FREE. I love seeing something like that. Someone out there is helping other people without self interest.

Thanks a lot. I'm going to tell friends and family about this too.

It's funny because I've thought about making flash cards, but have always been deterred by their limitations. This is like an infinite number of free flash cards that can be edited and used anywhere, anytime, and on top of that, they are "smart" and organize themselves for maximum efficiency in reviewing.

I'll stop babbling now and get to making some decks!

[Scipio]

Toasterwater, if you have online internet browser access with your Blackberry, you can use the web browser version of Anki. It's a bit limited (I think you can only use text) but it's great for most users. The algorithm used in Anki was actually developed by Piotr Wozniak, originally in the program Supermemo. Supermemo has a price tag, but it's still cheap. It's limited by its user interface (you can tell it's aimed at engineers and computer programmers) but offers additional functionality such as incremental reading. If you just want to learn more about SRS, memory, or genius in general, their site provides a lot of free information: Super Memory Also look up the Wired article on Wozniak--it mentions how he developed the program and his strange way of living in an effort to become a genius.

The full version of Anki for PC's is incredible. I record sound files to accompany text, add pictures, and people even add movie clips. There are cool programs like SUBS2SRS which take the subtitles from a movie you're watching and put them on the answer side of card, while cutting a clip from the movie and putting it on the front of a card.

When someone finds Anki useful, they usually find smart.fm useful as well. Smart.fm - The World's Sharpest Learning Tool. Intro video there as well.

[Talkofthatown919]

i agree with what manomanman said visualization is one of the best techniques to use. With memorizing things i find something to relate it and go from there.

[toasterwater]

Originally Posted by Scipio

Toasterwater, if you have online internet browser access with your Blackberry, you can use the web browser version of Anki. It's a bit limited (I think you can only use text) but it's great for most users.

The only options for downloads under mobile are

usb stick
iphone
maemo
zaurus
android

I don't know if one of those will work on my blackberry... guess i can always try...

When someone finds Anki useful, they usually find smart.fm useful as well. Smart.fm - The World's Sharpest Learning Tool. Intro video there as well.

Wow again? jeez. you're the man Scipio. Do you have a profile on there? (I'm assuming you do, but asking if we can link up over there)

I'm going to try to incorporate both of these into my college study regimen. I still want to freshen up on some visualization memorization techniques too, so any suggestions for where to find some good courses/info on that is still appreciated (preferably free... )

[Scipio]

Originally Posted by toasterwater

The only options for downloads under mobile

Yeah I heard the iPhone/iPod touch version is great.

Anki - a friendly, intelligent spaced learning system Here you go, Anki Online, through your web browser.

I have an account on Smart.FM but I hardly use it.