Developing Memory Skills

Enhancing memory skills is crucial for academic success, and there are various effective techniques that educators can share and practice with their students to help improve their memory. Here are some of the best memory techniques to share with learners of any age or ability. 

Visualisation 

Encourage students to create vivid mental images related to the information they are trying to remember. Visualisation can make abstract concepts more concrete and memorable. You may even be able to support them with this by creating posters or images to share on the whiteboard, using visually stunning or unusual pictures that relate to certain topics.  

Mnemonics 

Mnemonic devices, such as acronyms, rhymes, or acrostics, help students remember information by associating it with easily recallable patterns or phrases. Over 30 years on, I still recall the mnemonic we used to remember the trigonometry identities – “Some Old Hags Carry Alligator Handbags Through Our Alleys”!  

Chunking 

Break down large amounts of information into smaller, manageable chunks. Grouping related items together makes it easier for students to remember and retrieve the information. This method works well to create flashcards, placing each chunk of information on its own card. 

Association  

Encourage students to associate new information with something they already know. Connecting new concepts to existing knowledge strengthens memory retention. It may help to use visual prompts to illustrate these connections, too. 

Mind Maps   

Mind mapping is a visual technique where students create a diagram to represent relationships between ideas or concepts. This visual representation is similar to the association technique, creating links, but the act of physically writing or drawing the information will help aid memory recall. 

Repetition 

Repetition is a classic memory-enhancing technique. Reviewing information multiple times, spaced over intervals, helps to solidify memory. Make use of lesson starters or the end of lessons to revisit information. 

Active Learning 

Engage students in hands-on and interactive activities. Activities such as discussions, group projects, drama and experiments help reinforce learning through multiple senses. 

Self-Testing    

Practice retrieval by using flashcards, quizzes, or self-tests. Testing enhances memory recall and identifies areas that may need further review. Provide students with practice questions or past exam papers so they can rehearse the retrieval of information. 

The Method of Loci (Memory Palace)   

This ancient technique involves associating pieces of information with specific locations in a familiar environment, like a room or a street. When recalling the information, students mentally revisit these locations. You could demonstrate this technique with pupils, using the school building as the location.  

Spaced Repetition    

Introduce information at intervals and gradually increase the time between reviews. Spaced repetition optimises the process of memory consolidation. An example of this is the ‘1,2,4,7’ technique, where information is studied on Day 1, then again on Day 2, then two days later on Day 4, then three days later on Day 7. This is a useful technique to share with older students to build into their revision timetable. 

Rhymes and Songs   

Turning information into rhymes or songs can make it more memorable, not to mention more enjoyable. Using familiar melodies, in particular, can aid in the recall of information. You or your students could create lyrics on topics they need to learn, or you can find videos and songs online, or in apps. Times tables set to familiar pop songs seem to be especially popular with many children and teachers. 

Use of Colours   

Colour-coding information or using colored markers can help learners organise and remember content. Different colours can be associated with different themes or categories. This method can be used when creating mind maps or flashcards. 

Memory Journals   

Encourage students to keep journals or notebooks to record key information and reflections. The act of writing has been shown to help reinforce memory. 

Healthy Lifestyle    

Promote a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. These factors play a crucial role in cognitive function and memory.  

Catering for Different Learners    

It's important to note that individuals may have different learning styles, and a combination of these techniques may be most effective. Share and demonstrate a range of techniques and try to build in opportunities for your learners to try them out in class. Encouraging students to experiment with various memory strategies and identify what works best for them can contribute to long-term academic success. 

Faye Booth has over 20 years’ experience as an educator and tutor. She now works in education research and content creation. Faye is passionate about supporting learners and building their confidence and independence, by providing them with a toolkit of skills and techniques that will benefit them throughout their lives.