How to learn to quickly memorize information. How to remember a large amount of information

The modern world with a huge amount of constantly updated information places high demands on human memory. Before people striving to succeed, the question arises - how to remember a lot of information in a short time? The best minds of mankind, who have found a way out for such people, have been “fighting” over this problem for a single year. According to them, the use of special techniques can increase the amount of memory.

How much information can a person remember

Scientists have been trying for a long time to find the answer to the question of how much information an ordinary person can remember. However, so far no solution has been found that satisfies all physiologists. It was assumed that the human memory is capable of storing ten million bits of information. But soon scientists abandoned this theory due to the fact that this volume is very small and does not reflect the real state. The human brain contains not only the data that he is forced to remember, but also those that accompany his existence - the nicknames of pets, facial features of relatives, etc.

According to the American researcher Cooper, each neuron of the brain is capable of storing up to one hundred thousand units of information. Given their total number, a person's memory can hold information of 10 to the 17th power of bits. This figure, according to a number of physiologists, is reliable. However, some scientists argue that human memory is a more capacious concept, and it is capable of containing information of 10 to the 23rd bit. Based on these data, it is clear that people have not yet learned how to use the most complex mechanism given to him by nature.

Determining the type of memory

In everyday life, there are individual differences in the field of mental processes. One of these processes is the storage of information. The features of the memorization process characterize the personality, becoming its properties, leaving an imprint on the activity and behavior of a person. Depending on which analyzer prevails in the work of memory, it is customary to distinguish four types of memory:

  • auditory;
  • visual;
  • motor;
  • mixed.

Auditory (sound or auditory) type is characterized by a high degree of memorization and reproduction of all kinds of sounds: music, spoken words. It is important when remembering voiced information. It acquires special significance at certain periods of life. Auditory memory ensures good academic performance of schoolchildren and students. It is necessary for successful professional activity for composers, musicians, linguists.

Visual memory is the ability to perceive, store and reproduce visual images. According to psychologists, people with a developed visual type have a well-developed imagination. They are able to "see" images even after they have disappeared from view. This type of memory is of particular importance for designers, engineers, artists, and designers.

Motor (motor) memory is characterized by the ability to remember and reproduce movements. People who possess it are able to keep in memory not only motor representations, but also their characteristics: amplitude, speed, tempo, rhythm, sequence. The success of the formation of motor skills of labor, play, sports activities depends on the level of its development.

The mixed type is characterized by the absence of the predominance of any one memory. Its peculiarity is that mixed memory provides equally good memorization of the material when using different analyzers. People who have it use several types of memory at once: visual-motor, visual-auditory, motor-auditory.

There are other types of memory, based on the activities of individual analyzers, which are not essential in human life. Their capabilities are limited and come down to meeting the biological needs of the body. These types of memory include: olfactory, tactile and gustatory. To find out which way of remembering prevails for you, use the psychological technique "Determining the type of memory."

To conduct it, you will need an assistant who must read out a few rows of words. Each of these corresponds to a specific type of memory. After reading aloud a group of words by the leader, the subject in the allotted time must write them down from memory. The data obtained must be compared with the rows of words and identify how many are named correctly. At the end of the calculation of the coefficient according to a special formula, a conclusion is made about the predominant type of memory.

Cheat sheets will help you quickly remember a lot of information in a short time

What is the best way to remember information? Cramming takes a lot of time and is not always effective. The favorite method of student "smuggling" - cheat sheets, helps in solving this issue. According to physiologists, the use of cheat sheets activates the activity of several analyzers, as a result, several types of memory take part in the memorization process - visual and motor. This approach ensures fast memorization. The peculiarity of cheat sheets lies in the way information is stored.

A large amount of data cannot fit on a small piece of paper, so the answer to the ticket question is written briefly in the form of diagrams. They reflect key points or separate phrases that reflect the essence, from which logical chains are created by conscious processing of information, which ensures consistent memorization of the text. This method is successfully used not only by students, but also by people who operate with large amounts of data - managers, teachers.

Connection of auditory, auditory memory

According to physiologists, the auditory type of memory is a powerful memorization tool. Psychologists believe that auditory memory develops more easily than visual and motor memory. The use of this tool increases the possibilities of memorization. To use auditory memory, it is recommended not only to write, but also to read the same cheat sheets. Repetition of information aloud before the exam increases the chances of a favorable outcome of the case.

The main method of using auditory memory is to record information on a voice recorder and listen to it. For example, you can record lectures given by a teacher, or read material on your own with a recording on a voice recorder. Regular listening to information provides a strong memorization. At one time there was a theory that if you listen to information in a dream, then it is well remembered, but scientists have questioned the application of this method.

visual memory techniques

Visual memory accounts for most of the information we perceive. In educational institutions, the main emphasis when submitting educational material is done on visual perception, so most of the data is located on the blackboard. To increase the capabilities of this type of memory, several methods of visual memorization are used:

  • visual material. When studying a theoretical issue, the material is supported by vivid illustrations.
  • Reading. This type of activity also connects the visual analyzer to the memorization process, which allows you to capture the necessary information in the brain.
  • Note-taking. The material intended for memorization is outlined using multi-colored pencils or felt-tip pens.
  • Schulte tables. This "simulator" is used to train speed reading skills. In the process of training, peripheral vision is connected, which ensures the memorization of more information.

Techniques for memorizing large amounts of data using motor memory

Less often, motor memory is used for memorization. However, connecting your own body to the processes responsible for storing information provides a strong memorization. Methods that activate motor memory are: writing cheat sheets, practical implementation of an action that should be remembered (for example, playing a dance element). Such techniques are actively used in childhood and among people whose activities are connected with the formation of practical skills - pilots, surgeons, builders, cooks, athletes, dancers.

How to learn a foreign language in a short time: the secrets of abilities

The question of how to learn to memorize information excites people and, if necessary, to master a foreign language in a short time. The book in this case carries only background information. Physiologists recommend increasing the amount of audiovisual information. Watch films in your chosen language with Russian subtitles, listen to songs, find someone who speaks the language and communicate with them regularly. A computer and social networks will be great helpers. If there is a club in your city where foreigners gather, visit it and practice your pronunciation.

There are a lot of computer techniques that involve practicing pronunciation, listening to words accompanied by translation. One of the popular techniques used in the study of languages ​​is the method of "Mental repetitions". Its essence lies in the periodic mental repetition of information. It is important to follow the exercise schedule:

  • The first repetition after the study is carried out 60 minutes after the initial perception of the data.
  • The second - 3 hours after the first.
  • Third - the next day at any time.

The number of repetitions, the time intervals between them are regulated at their own discretion, taking into account individual abilities. It is allowed to increase the number of repetitions and lengthen the intervals between them. Be sure to make sure that the breaks are not long, otherwise the information not fixed on time may not be saved in the end.

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Ekaterina Dodonova

Business coach, blogger, memory and speed reading instructor. Founder of the educational project iq230

1. Understand

Very often people try to memorize unfamiliar words and phrases without even understanding their meaning. Perhaps this is enough for a few days, say, to pass an exam. Unless, of course, the lecturer asks to explain what you mean by ablation and what are the signs of those same chromosomal aberrations from the first ticket.

The brain perfectly remembers words connected associatively. He discards incomprehensible letter combinations like garbage, not wanting to waste time on them.

For this reason, most people have difficulty learning. A strange-sounding word does not evoke native and understandable pictures to the heart.

Therefore, for better memorization, you must first parse and understand all new terms. Try to feel the word and associate it in your imagination with familiar concepts.

2. Come up with an association

The presence of fantasy is one of the most powerful tools for remembering information. greatly facilitate the process of memorizing important reports, presentations, texts, including in foreign languages, due to artificial associations.

Take the word "Monday". What frames are running on your internal screen? It could be the morning, terrible traffic jams, a thought pulsing in my head, a day on the calendar, a page in my childhood diary, or a buzzing office anthill. What do you see?

To make associative connections strong and durable, you can use the five-finger rule. Each finger has its own association, filled with one or another content.

Fingers Association
Big "Raisin". Original, absurd, absurd
Pointing "Emotions". Use only positive
Average "About yourself beloved." Feel free to associate the object of memorization with yourself
Nameless "Feel". Connect the senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, tactile sensations
Little finger "In move". Make your subject move. The brain remembers information faster in dynamics

Thus, necessary information will be imprinted in your memory at once at all levels of feelings, which will allow you to use it for a long time.

3. Fool the magic number 7 ± 2

The famous American psychologist George Miller found that short-term human memory cannot remember and repeat more than 7 ± 2 elements. The mode of constant information overload reduces this number to 5 ± 2.

However, there is an easy way to cheat the laws short term memory: the use of the method of stories, which involves the logical linking of disparate objects of memorization into one chain. You can get a funny, incredible and completely impossible in real life story. The main thing is that with it you can remember more than 15 elements at a time.

As conceived by the director in the next scene, you should swim in a pool filled to the brim with semolina. Yes, just imagine the madness in bright colors. Feel with your skin how semolina sticks to your skin. How hard it is to swim in this warm liquid, although the porridge is not too thick. As in the air it smells of milk, butter and childhood.

4. Repeat correctly

Our brain can be programmed - it's a scientific fact. It requires awareness and daily work in the chosen direction. Therefore, if you have firmly decided that it is extremely important for you to learn English in six months, then the brain has already tuned in to intensive memorization. But in addition to regular training, regular repetition of the material covered is also important.

Use specific time slots for best memory: repeat the material immediately after training, then after 15-20 minutes, after 6-8 hours (preferably before bedtime) and the last time after a week.

5. Tune in

Perhaps there is nothing worse when a person thinks about himself in negative terms: “I will never cope with this”, “It is impossible for me to remember this”, “I will not be able to learn such a difficult report”. Use only positive affirmations when programming your brain for work and results.

Tune in correctly, tell yourself: “I remember!”, “I have good memory. I will remember”, “I will remember and easily retell in my own words in two hours”. Customize yourself. The resource state of the brain is your area of ​​responsibility.

Knowing the five secrets of memory, you can easily learn to memorize really complex and versatile materials. In addition, there are many interesting and natural ways for a person to train memory and consolidate the necessary memory objects, which Ekaterina Dodonova also talks about in detail in her book.

Happy reading and have a great memory!

Not only schoolchildren and students are faced with the problem of having to memorize a large amount of texts, but also people of various professions: lawyers, doctors, actors, etc. However, most people are used to memorizing texts using ordinary cramming and endless repetition of text material that flies out of their heads the next day. We will show you how to quickly learn the text, but at the same time meaningfully and for a long time.

How actors remember text

If you need to learn how to quickly memorize a text, you should take advantage of the experience of actors who have to memorize scripts for films and theater performances almost verbatim. Each of them has their own ways of remembering information that help them cope with this task, so psychologists have received generalized research results on this issue and found out what helps actors learn the text quickly and effectively.

Division into fragments

The first thing anyone who wants to quickly learn a text should do is read the material once in its entirety and then divide it into parts. It is important that they have a complete thought and be easy to remember. It is most effective to divide each paragraph into sentences.

Text grouping

After you have divided the text into parts and learned the first sentence, start grouping the material. Learn the first and second sentences. Having coped with this, memorize the first, second and third. Continue combining sentences until you have learned the first block - this could be an introduction or first appearance on stage, etc. Then do this again, adding even larger fragments together, for example, the first and second paragraphs.

Continue grouping with the enlargement of parts until the entire text is learned.

Quality checking

Each stage of memorizing the material should be accompanied by checking the text without peeping. This allows you to highlight those fragments that are difficult to work with, so that later you can focus more on them. In addition, this stage will help you consolidate what you have learned in your memory.

Immersion in context

If you have the opportunity to learn the text in the exact setting where the performance will take place, then be sure to use it. So, for example, you can link parts of the text you speak with the movements performed by you or your partners on stage, interaction with props and scenery, which will make it easier to quickly learn the text.

Automatic memory

Although the main goal is the conscious memorization of the material, you can use another mechanism of our memory, which allows us to automatically reproduce the memorized text. Thus, for example, some people memorize prayers or texts that often have to be repeated on duty, for example, the speech of a flight attendant. Although this performance is not always heartfelt and emotional, it allows you to remember the material well even in stressful situations.

Delu - time

A very important role in memorization is played by the time spent not only on studying, but also on rest. Many people can't focus effectively on material for more than forty minutes, so don't wait until you get tired and force yourself to quickly learn a text in one sitting. Take a break, go for a walk, or change activities for a while.

Do not forget about the regular full-fledged 7-8-hour sleep. Although the memorization and reproduction of information occurs during wakefulness, its processing continues even in a dream. But the lack of sleep leads to stress, as well as to the deterioration of memory and performance.

The four-step method, or the OVOD method

There is another way to learn how to memorize a large text quickly and efficiently. Use one of the most effective methods of memorizing texts called OVOD, which consists of four stages: the Main idea, attentive reading, review and fine-tuning. It allows you to quickly learn the text - in just 4 repetitions. OVOD differs from unsystematic memorization and repetition by a meaningful, analytical approach to the text. So:

  • First of all, you need to read the text and highlight the main idea in it. Do not try to immediately memorize it from beginning to end, focus your attention only on what reveals the main idea of ​​the material. You can write down these thoughts in the form of abstracts. When the reading is finished, put the text aside and try to verbally reproduce what you have read.

  • Next, you should read the text a second time, more carefully, taking into account all the details of the narrative. Remember the main idea of ​​the text and try to connect it in your mind with the details that you have highlighted just now. How do they help develop the main idea, what do they add to the story? Now try to repeat the text, taking into account both the main idea and the details.
  • The review of the text is to create an approximate plan for reading. Read the material from the end and ask yourself questions about the points in your plan. They will help you remember what information is contained in each part of the text.

  • Fine-tuning means the end of work on the text, bringing the process of memorization to the end. Remembering the text, go from the general to the specific: start with the main ideas, then supplement them with details. Slowly repeat the text aloud, if possible, ask someone to check you. Do not peek under any circumstances. If you forgot something, then try to analyze this segment, understand why you missed it.

After a few hours, repeat what you learned again. If necessary, fill in the gaps that appear by again using this four-step scheme.

How to learn text as quickly and efficiently as possible

If you need to learn the text as quickly as possible and not necessarily verbatim, then this method will help you.

  1. Break the material down into meaningful phrases or sentences. Determine the main meaning of each fragment.
  2. Now characterize each of the fragments with a small phrase, if possible, with one word, with which you associate each specific block. The main thing is to create a memorable image.
  3. The last step is to memorize a sequence of images that will allow you to remember the contents of the text step by step.

An example of the method of non-verbatim memorization

Let's see how this method works on the example of this passage:

It remains a paradox that people in our time receive an excellent education, but they cannot boast of a great mind, they have a fairly broad knowledge, but they are not always able to assess the situation well. We have many experts, but there are even more problems, medicine is one of the best, but the majority cannot boast of health either.

Now let's divide this passage into fragments-phrases and select our vivid image for each:

It remains a paradox that people in our time receive an excellent education, but cannot boast of a great mind ( Mental hospital patient holding a red diploma). We have many experts, but there are even more pressing problems ( Man in a business suit holding a screwdriver). Medicine is one of the best, but most cannot boast of health either ( The doctor in a dressing gown lies with a plaster cast).


As a result, you do not need to memorize the entire text at once, but remember only the following images associated with it:

  • Mentally ill with a red diploma.
  • Business man with a screwdriver.
  • Doctor in plaster.

To remember the sequence of images, combine them by inventing your own story, in which the first image will interact with the second, the second with the third, etc. Our example was small and introductory, so for a large text volume you will need large quantity images. All this will take you less time than learning the text itself, and most importantly, thanks to vivid images, it will remain in your memory for a long time.

And if you are interested in how to develop memory and learn poems by heart, then you can get acquainted with one interesting technique in the following video:


Take it, tell your friends!

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Tomorrow is an exam and you didn't prepare for it because you didn't have time or you put off studying until later? You can prepare for the exam in one day if you are disciplined and attentive. It is better to prepare in advance, for example, a week before the exam, but there are situations when this cannot be done. In this article, we will tell you how to prepare for the exam in one day.

Steps

Environment

    Find a suitable place to practice. Nothing and no one should distract you - neither friends, nor any objects in your bedroom. Find a study area where you can focus on the material you are learning.

    • Study somewhere quiet and peaceful, such as a private room or a library.
  1. Prepare everything you need. Before you begin to study the material, prepare everything you may need, such as textbooks, notes, markers, a computer, a light snack and water.

    • Remove everything that will distract you.
  2. Turn off your phone. If you don’t need your smartphone to study, turn it off so that it doesn’t distract you from studying the subject. So you can focus solely on the material being studied.

    Consider whether you should study on your own or in a group. Since time is limited, it's probably best to study on your own, but sometimes it's helpful to study the material in a small group to better understand the concepts and terms. If you decide to work in a group, make sure that it consists of people who are as prepared as you are; otherwise, the efficiency of work in the group will not be very high.

    Learn to work effectively with a textbook. You will not remember the material if you just read the textbook (especially if your time is limited). As you read your textbook, pay particular attention to the chapter summaries and key information in bold type.

    • Find the questions that are given after each chapter (or at the end of the textbook). Try to answer these questions to test yourself and understand what you should learn.
  3. Create a study guide. It will allow you to better understand the material and quickly review it on the day of the exam. In the study guide, fill in the most important concepts, terms, dates, and formulas and try to state the main concepts in your own words. Self-formulation of concepts and writing them down on paper will allow you to better understand and remember the material.

    • If you don't have time to create a study guide, ask a friend or classmate for one. But it will be better if you create your own study guide, as stating and writing down the main concepts will help you remember the information better.
  4. Prepare for the appropriate exam format. If you are pressed for time, be sure to keep the format in mind when preparing for the exam. Ask your teacher about the format of the exam or look in the curriculum, or ask your classmates.

Lesson plan

    Create a lesson plan. Include material that will definitely be on the exam, such as important dates, certain scientific concepts, math formulas or equations. If you don't know what will be asked on the exam, ask your classmates. To pass the exam successfully, it is important to know what material you need to learn (especially when time is limited).

    Create a class schedule. Schedule the whole day leading up to the exam and determine the hours that you will devote to studying the material. Don't forget to make time for sleep.

    Create a list of topics to study. Review the textbook, study guide and notes and write down the topics that will be present on the exam.


The ability to quickly memorize information is not only the key to successful study. It will always come in handy in life: there is a huge amount of information now, and it is quite difficult to cope with it without a good memory. But we can.

We develop all types of memory

The brain is also an organ and also needs training. How to learn to quickly memorize information if you have a poorly developed visual or auditory memory. Repeat aloud, divide information into points and add together in memory. You can record on a voice recorder and listen to it while you sleep. It will help too.

Another good way memorize and learn something: put it into verse. Poems can be memorized by putting them on the motive of a song and humming aloud.

How to memorize information quickly using visual memory? Visualize everything you hear. This is the first. Second - draw all the information in the form of pictures or diagrams. This will make it much easier to remember. You can also use vivid images. For example, when studying laws, you can imagine yourself as a deputy who adopts these laws.

You can highlight different topics different colors. When preparing for the history exam, we highlight in red everything that concerns Peter the Great, in blue - everything that concerns Alexander III, etc. And now look at each color separately and rewrite these points until they are deposited in your memory.

Associate information with art objects. If possible, link the date or fact to a movie, book, piece of music, or a piece of art. For example, if you know the history of cinema well, you can associate historical dates with the release years of a particular film, etc. So the subconscious itself will open the floodgates for effective memorization.

Repeat the necessary information before going to bed. And after him too. The synthesis of information is very active during sleep and this should be used. In the morning it remains only to repeat. The main thing is to get enough sleep.

We use mnemonics. This is the search for rhymes to information, and clues, for example, replacing numbers with objects similar to these numbers, and more complex techniques.

Listen to everything you read and hear. Try to understand and disassemble everything for yourself piece by piece. You can form your own opinion about the information. Use logic as well as associations. They will definitely remain in your memory.

Getting ready for the exam

Most people once have a question, how to quickly remember information in in large numbers before the exam. Here are some tips of varying degrees of intelligence:

  • Get moving! While studying tickets, poems or topics in English (history), do not memorize them while sitting, but actively move around the rooms, make circles. Movement still activates the brain and increases your ability to remember. It will be no less effective to change the situation. If you are preparing for two exams at once, it is better to study tickets and topics in different rooms. So they definitely will not mix up and will be deposited on different “shelves” in memory. And one more crucial point. Any aerobic exercises will help you remember anything faster, because they improve both memory and blood circulation in the brain. So, before you sit down for tickets, go in for fitness or dance.
  • Sleep and relax. Even if there is a lot of information, you do not need to learn everything late at night. In addition, you need to periodically give unloading to the brain. Distract yourself consciously, for example, for 30 minutes to call your friends or stare at a cartoon. Otherwise, you will be distracted all the time and learn nothing. By the way, you can also be distracted by writing down all your sad thoughts and all the negativity that has fallen on you for Lately.

    Not the most joyful way, but it works. The bottom line is that we remember all the bad information much better and faster. Therefore, the information that enters our brain after such outpourings of the soul, the brain will automatically perceive as negative, respectively, it will be easy to remember and “with pleasure”.

  • More expression. And artistry too. When studying languages ​​and not only, put emotions into all the information. Depict everything that you are trying to remember with movements or gestures. Act out mini-plays and skits if there is too much to learn. Also, remembering everything will be much easier if you scream. Shout out foreign words, verses that you learn, your report. By the way, yelling at the whole house is not necessary at all. Just say everything clearly and loudly. This will also improve memorability.
  • Get involved in nature. Everything is simple here. Fresh air also drives blood to the brain, which means that everything is remembered more easily. So, we are preparing for the most extreme exam in the country. If there is no dacha, you can simply look at photos with nature for a quarter of an hour before starting to prepare for the exam.
  • Throw words. Or rather, letters. We do it this way. We rewrite the text to be learned, but only without the first letters at the beginning of each word. We teach, at the same time trying to remember these words. At first, however, you will have to peep at the original regularly, but then it will be enough for you to look at the cut version of the text once, and you will remember everything right away.
  • Structure. If you are too lazy to type or write, everything you need to remember can be sketched as a diagram. The most important thing is to read the information beforehand and thoroughly understand it. When you have a kind of "flags" in front of your eyes, it will be easier to remember everything.
  • To remember an impressive text, you can try to divide it into parts. But not logical, but simply ten stanzas each. No need to learn them by heart without understanding. Delve into, and then draw up a plan-scheme of this text. Then you can read the text again in two hours.
There are many ways to memorize any information, but the main thing is to believe in the capabilities of your memory. If you underestimate this thinking tool, it will not work to its fullest. And one more thing: instead of stupid cramming, it is better to spend time comprehending the entire amount of information that you have to learn. Believe me, it is more productive, and more efficient. Don't let your intellect dry up.

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