PSLE Study Tip #4: Improve Your Memory!

Forgetting is easy, remembering is hard. However, here are 5 simple tips that you can use to help you improve your memory, especially when you’re studying!

1)      Understand the concept
Students often struggle memorising information because it is unclear or confusing to them. It is difficult to remember something if you do not fully understand it in the first place. In order to remember new information presented to you, try to re-write the information that you are learning into your own words. (Our article on how you can write effective study notes can be viewed here).

However if you are unable to write your own notes, it is a good sign that you do not fully understand the concept that you're learning.

2)      Revise frequently
As we all know, it is advisable not to study the night before an exam or cram before a major exam. It is difficult to retain information if you study at the last minute. The key to memorise information effectively is to frequently review your notes and study materials weeks or days before the exams.

If possible, jot down or highlight important information that will probably show up in an exam. You should adapt this study strategy after revising for an important topic. Through repetitive daily revision, you will eventually begin to remember and memorise information easily.

3)      Mnemonic devices
Many students use mnemonic devices to remember content which are difficult to memorise. Such useful mnemonic types include

a)      music mnemonic: songs and jingles (A common example is how children remember the alphabet by singing the ABC's.)

b)     Name mnemonics: The first letter of each word is combined into a new word. For example: ROY G BIV  are colors of the rainbow.

c)      Expression or word mnemonics: The first letter of each word is combined to form a phrase or sentence.

d)     Picture mnemonics: The information is constructed into a picture. It's easier to remember a picture rather than details from a book. This strategy is especially useful when studying abstract or confusing subjects. To do this, create images in your mind that you can relate to, or have similarities to, the abstract concept. When abstract concepts can be “seen” they are much easier to remember.

4)      Active Studying
In order to remember or learn a concept, you must practise active studying. Some examples include reading your notes or textbook out loud. Another way is to teach your friend and help to answer any questions that he/she may have. Therefore, if you have something important to remember, repeat it to yourself as often as possible and if you can, talk about it to your friends or family.

5)      Balanced Diet

Last but not least, a balanced diet is crucial for a good memory. If you eat too much, you will feel tired and drowsy to study. If you eat too little, you will feel hungry and fatigued. Therefore, both of these scenarios are obstacles standing in your way towards a better memory. Eat in moderation and you will study better!

By implementing these 5 study strategies into your revision, you will increase your ability to retain and memorise important information before the PSLE. Feel free to leave a comment if you have other suggestions or methods to improve one's memory!

Is your child taking his/her PSLE exams this year? If so, feel free to call us @ 6457-0881 or email us @ [email protected] to find out more about our PSLE Intensive Revision Courses (English, Maths and Science) today. Alternatively, you may call or email us to find out more about our weekly K1-S4 tutorial classes.

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