By Arthur Evans Have you ever studied long and hard for a test only to have it all vanish when you sit down to proctor it? Or read an entire chapter, only to realize you didn’t recall any of it the next day? If this happens to you, then you’re among friends. Memory is the secret to learning, yet we have never learned how to make it work.
How Memory Works
Memory is how our brain saves, stores and recollects information. There are three main phases:
Encoding – New learning of data.
Storage – Holding the information for the long term.
Retrieval – Recalling the information when desired.
Types of memories
Sensory memory (short-lived, such as blinking at a burst of light)
Short-term memory (stores about seven units for 20–30 seconds)
Long-term memory (stores vast amounts of information permanently)
To learn well, the goal is to move information from short-term to long-term memory—and to recall it quickly when needed.
1. Improve Memory Skills With Active Learning
One of the best ways to improve memory skills is to work actively with the material. Passive methods like reading or highlighting are second-best to methods that include interaction.
Use the Feynman Technique – Named after physicist Richard Feynman, this method involves: studying a concept, explaining it in your own words, as if teaching it to someone else, identifying gaps in your understanding, revising the material
This technique forces your brain to organize and reinforce information clearly, aiding memory retention.
Practice Retrieval – Quizzing yourself—rather than reading notes—is one of the best student brain training. Flashcards, practice tests and verbal repetitions help strengthen memory by having you actively recall information.
Write by Hand – Evidence shows that handwritten notes use more of the brain’s encoding than typing. Summarizing information in your own words enhances understanding and remembering.
2. Brain Training Techniques That Work
Look at evidence-based memory retention techniques that help convert learning into long-term knowledge.
Spaced Repetition
Rather than cramming, review material at spaced intervals like 1-day following learning, 3 days later, 1 week later or 1 month later
This technique exploits the psychological spacing effect, whereby information is better stored when learned at increasing intervals.
Chunking Information
Our brain can only handle a limited amount of information at one time. Chunking is breaking down complex information into small, meaningful chunks. To remember a phone number, for example, we group the numbers (123-456-7890).
Apply chunking to learn material by breaking it down into themes or categories.
Apply Mnemonics and Acronyms
Association aids in remembering. For example:
“HOMES” to remember the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior)
“PEMDAS” for math operations (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction)
Visual or dorky mnemonics are more likely to stick because the brain remembers emotional or humorous stuff better.
3. How to Remember What You Learn
Learning is one thing—remembering what you learn is another. Here’s how to bridge the gap.
Study at Best Times – Mental alertness is at its best at some times of the day—typically mid-morning and early evening. Study when you’re not tired or distracted.
Establish Clear Learning Objectives – Don’t simply “study Chapter 5″—define precise objectives such as “Know why the French Revolution occurred.” Clear objectives concentrate the brain and allow easier progress monitoring.
Remove Distractions – Multitasking weakens memory. Establish a distraction-free area by: turning off notifications, utilizing focus apps (e.g., Forest or Freedom), studying in quiet places
Utilize Technology Judiciously – Apps like Anki (spaced repetition), Quizlet (flashcards) or Notion (organization of notes) can support learning when used correctly.
4. Brain Training for Students
Like every other muscle, the brain welcomes regular exercise. Brain training for students is not games—it’s lifestyle and habit.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness reduces stress, increases focus, and facilitates memory consolidation. Just 10 minutes a day can be very effective.
Regular Exercise
Exercise increases brain oxygenation and stimulates growth factors that encourage neural connections. Get your body moving for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3–5 times weekly.
Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is where your brain stores memories. Without it, even the best study techniques won’t do any good. Get 7–9 hours of sleep, and do not do all-nighters.
Consume Brain-Boosting Foods
Diet is an essential factor for cognitive well-being. Foods that will enhance memory include: blueberries, fatty fish (like salmon), leafy greens, nuts and seeds and dark chocolate (in moderation)
5. Cognitive Learning Strategies That Are Worth It
The purpose of cognitive learning strategies is to enhance understanding and retention over time with a boost of increased mental concentration.
Elaborative Interrogation
Make it a habit to ask yourself “why” as you read. For example: “Why does photosynthesis need sunlight?” This enhances understanding by making new information related to the known.
Interleaved Practice
Rather than practising one subject per session (blocked Practice), switch between several similar but different topics. For instance, switch from history to science. This strengthens your knowledge application flexibility.
Dual Coding
Make use of the combination of words and pictures. Drawing diagrams, mind maps, or sketches during note-taking allows the brain to store information in multiple formats, simplifying recall.
Common Mistakes That Weaken Memory
Avoid these habits that can sabotage your efforts to retain information more effectively:
Cramming the night before an exam
Passive review (reading without testing yourself)
Studying with distractions like your phone nearby
Lack of sleep or skipping meals
Overconfidence (thinking you’ve “got it” without testing)
Conclusion
Memory is not talent—it’s a skill. Anyone can improve memory skills, increase retention and learn better using the proper techniques. Learning how memory operates and applying useful techniques like spaced repetition, active recall and brain training allows you to maximize your learning at school and in life.
Remember: The mind is a muscle. The more you use it by working at it on purpose, the stronger it becomes.