Memory Techniques

Memory Techniques and VCR3 VCR3 is a good general strategy for committing things to memory. • Visualize. Memory is closely linked to the senses and, in particular, seeing, or visualization. The better the visual link you can create in your mind, the stronger the memory. • Concentrate. Minimize interruptions, noise, cell phones, TV, and music. Focus by carefully constructing a memorable image that will help you recall any idea you need to remember. • Relate. Make a connection with each image you create and develop interconnections between ideas based on any visual cues you have in your notes. Try placing each concept or fact in a particular spot in a house or along a street. • Repeat. Once your images are selected, say them out loud. This connects the auditory to the visual. Then, repeat this information over and over until it sticks. • Review. Go over that image regularly to recall everything that it represents accurately. Sentences Try making up sentences where the first letter in each word corresponds to the information you are trying to remember. An example of remembering the planets is, “My very educated mother just served us nachos.” Storylines If you find it easier to remember stories than raw information, process the information into a story that you can tell. Weave the data and facts into a creative story that can be easily retrieved from your long-term memory. This technique is especially beneficial for essay tests because the “story” that you remember can be what was actually told in class. Pegging Pegging is related to the “relate” step in the VCR3 technique. It’s a system that connects what you need to remember to an object. You can peg information to your body, to your car, or even to objects in every room of your house. Pegging works well with lists, sequences, and categories of information. TRY out the three methods to memorize any information that you want to remember later. For example, you could use the following: Information from a book (such as a textbook) Any other information that you always wished you could remember. After you think you have memorized the information, test yourself 30 minutes later, then 12 hours later. Based on this activity, write a response in approximately 300 words to respond to the following: Of the 3 techniques listed, which one did you find to be the most effective for recalling information? Describe the information you memorized, the technique you used, and how well you recalled the information. Which memory technique was the least effective? Explain. Describe how the memory technique best relates to your learning preference which is kinesthetic learning. SIDE NOTE:I identify with kinesthetic learning as my primary preferred method which entails a hands-on approach to learning. I tend to learn best by watching others show me physically how to do a task, such as doing a specific exercise. I have struggled in school my entire life through traditional means and sedentary activities because I have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. One of the best ways I have found to read my required material is to walk at a slow pace on the treadmill as I am physically reading. If I do have to sit down, I put a timer on and sit for less than 20 minutes at a time. I take breaks often if I must study for long periods of time, but this is rare due to my current schedule. One example of my style of preferred learning would be going to the zoo on a field trip and learning through observation and interaction with the zoo environment, as opposed to reading about animals from a book. I would like to make discoveries and experiments with knowledge firsthand, instead of hearing or reading about others' experiences.