Memory itself probably cannot be developed; however, improvement in
remembering comes from correcting certain habits or thoughts so that we use our
memory to its fullest potential. Remembering is like seeing; improvement in
either function does not depend upon how much we use it but, rather how we use
it.
The first and most important rule for remembering is: cultivate the habit of
close attention to the thing you wish to remember. Be sure you have a clear,
sharp impression of the face, name, date, or facts which you will need to know
at a future time. If you wish to remember a fact, make it meaningful to you.
When we are learning, we should try not only to get a strong impression but
to obtain as many different kinds of impressions as possible. Some people can
remember colors distinctly, but have a poor memory for shapes. But anyone, by
putting together and using all of the impressions our sense organs bring us
about a thing, can remember it much more clearly than if we rely on sight or
sound alone. For example, try reading your lesson aloud. In doing this, your eye
takes in the appearance of the printed word, your ear passes the sound of the
words to your brain, and even the tension of the muscle of your throat add their
bit to the total impression which your mind is expected to store away.
Try to visualize it. Either remember a diagram or a picture of the material
to be remembered, or take short notes about it which you can visualize.
Intend to remember. The mere intention to remember puts the mind in a condition
to remember, and if you will make use of this fact in studying you will be able
to recall between 20 and 60 percent more of what you read and hear than you
would if you were not actively trying to remember.
Think about it. A fact doesn't belong to you until you have used it. In
making use of this principle, plan to spend not more than one-half of your study
period in reading your lesson. Use the other half in doing something with what
you learn. Think about what you have studied, write down notes on it, and
explain it to somebody else.
Logical memory. One of the most important of all aids to the remembering
process is the habit of associating a new idea immediately with facts or ideas
that are already firmly lodged in the mind. This association revives and
strengthens the old memories and prevents the new one form slipping away by
anchoring it to the well-established framework of your mental world.
Remembering by brute force. We will forget more, on the average, during the
first hour after learning that during the next 24 hours; and we will forget
more, on the average, during the first day than we will during the next thirty
days. Whatever is left after thirty days time, we will probably be able to hold
on to without much further loss for years to come.
Reviewing is much more effective if carried out before memories have entirely
escaped than it is after considerable time has elapsed. Repetitions should be
strung out over as long a time as is available. We remember better if we pause a
little between periods of study.
How much study? You should study more than enough to learn your assignment.
Experiments have proven that 50% more resulted in 50% better retention. After a
week had passed, it was found that extra work had salvaged six time as much of
the material as in the case when it was barely learned.
