BUILDING A RETENTIVE MEMORY

BUILDING A RETENTIVE MEMORY

Have you ever wonder why you do overnight reading as a first class student does and you still don’t have the first class?, Though both of you read the same materials and you even still make use of more reading hours than such person?, Ever wonder why you read and in the next five hours you’ve forgotten what you read?, then you go back reading that topic and still forget till exam comes?, And some will read a text book in a day and still remember even after exam?

Was it because they were smarter or more talented? Perhaps you might even be thinking they are using some kind of drugs to top it up? Well the answer to these questions is no, no and NO. Some people say it’s actually LUCK. Others lamented that they have a bad memory.

Our memory is made up of billions of neuron cells. Although, very small, each neurons has the processing power equivalent to a personal computer. The storage capacity of neurons are unbelievable, each one contains the entire genetic blue point necessary to create another human being like us. This shows that we have tremendous brain power in comparison.

So it is not our inherent ability that prevented us from building a retentive memory but the learning strategies that is used by each and every one of us that set us apart. Well below are seven (7) steps that KELVIN HO, a memory practitioner gave that you should apply anytime you plan to learn something.

STEP 1;;; GET INTO THE RIGHT MIND SET AND BELIEFS.

Some people do believe that if they pick up a text book to read they will never understand the content of the text book except if they read with someone or a lecturer explains it first. To succeed in your learning you must have the right mindset and beliefs. Without the right mindset you can never build a retentive memory no matter the strategy you use.

STEP 2;;; SET OUT YOUR GOALS

Make sure you know the purpose of why you are learning or reading whatever text books. Set every specific and clear goal on the result you want to achieve. This is crucial as the goal you set will determine the action you choose to make. Goals direct our choices and actions.

STEP 3;;; COME UP WITH YOUR PLAN

Setup a schedule so that you will know what to do and when to do it. This serves as a checklist to ensure that you stay on your path to success. It also helps in planning and managing your time better. So stick with your plans.

STEP 4;;; TAKE CONSISTENT ACTION

Having the entire wonderful plan will amount to nothing if no action is taken; make it a point to take consistent actions everyday and follow diligently.

STEP 5;;; SPEED-READING

Most likely to learn something new you need to speed-read relevant materials for information’s. In fact, it is meant to help you to get as much information while retaining or improving your understanding of the topic on hand. Speed-reading is a skill on its own and what you need to know is that not all the words in your reading materials are important. Look out for key words that’s will aid your understanding of the topic.

STEP 6;;; NOTE TAKING AND MEMORY

To help you internalize the information you have leant, you may find it useful to re-organize the information in the way that make sense to you. It helps saves time and unleashes the mind power. You will also need to absorb some of this information into your memory. This can help you to use the new information on a higher level of thinking. Simple ways to this include association and linking of information’s.

STEP 7;;; APPLICATION

Unless you can apply your knowledge to your area of interest, you may probably not do very well. As such you need to master the act of application. This requires you develop a core of thinking skills such as creative thinking, analytical thinking and critical thinking. You have to be aware of your thought and be able to ask good questions about what you learn. Understand the assumptions that are made and why they are made.

In conclusion, put these seven (7) steps together in you your learning and am sure that your learning will be more fruitful and relevant, but in all put GOD First.

Article written by,

OJO OLUWATOSIN S.

I.R.P.M, 200level, Unilag

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