20 Study Hacks to Improve Your Memory
We’ve scoured our brains and the internet for the best
study hacks to help your brain remember information quicker and easier and ultimately help
you do better in your exams.
1. Walk
Before An Exam
It’s been proven that exercise can boost your memory and
brain power. Research conducted by Dr. Chuck Hillman of the University of
Illinois provides evidence that about 20 minutes exercise before an exam can
improve performance.
2.
Speak Out Loud Instead of Simply Reading
Although this may make you look a little crazy, give it a
go! You will be surprised how much more you can remember when you’ve said it
out loud. Warning: Don’t try this in a
crowded library!
3.
Reward Yourself With A Treat
There are many ways to integrate a reward system into your
habits so you learn how to study for exams more efficiently.
4.
Teach What You Have Learned
The best way to test if you really understand something is
to try to teach it to someone else. If you can’t get anyone to listen to you explain the
Pythagorean Theorem, why not teach a class of stuffed animals!
he ability to make connections is not only an easier way
to remember information, but it’s the fuel of creativity and intelligence.
Steve Jobs famously said “Creativity is
just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something,
they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw
something”.
6. Draw
Diagrams
Drawing diagrams will help you to visualise information
which would be hard to describe. This creates avisual memory
in your mind which can be recalled in an exam. You may even be asked to
draw or label diagrams such as the human heart in your exam so get practicing!
6. Draw
Diagrams
Drawing diagrams will help you to visualise information
which would be hard to describe. This creates avisual memory
in your mind which can be recalled in an exam. You may even be asked to
draw or label diagrams such as the human heart in your exam so get practicing!
7.
Times New Roman is the Fastest Font to Read
Simply put – there’s a reason why Times New Roman is the
default font on most applications!
8. Use
Apps to Block Distracting Sites
The SelfControl app helps you to avoid distractions by
blocking websites for a certain amount of time. Discover more student apps to
make student life easier in our blog post “12
Student Apps You Don’t Want to Miss!”.
9.
Watch a Documentary on the Topic
Documentaries are an entertaining way of compacting an
entire story into a short timeframe. This will help you remember key details
from a story plus you may even get extra credit for mentioning that you took
the initiative and watched a film about the topic!
Check out the infographic in this blog post which helps you
decide which documentary to watch.
10.
Search Google Like a Pro
Save time when researching sources online by mastering the
biggest search engine in the world; Google.
11.
Create Flashcards for Quick Memory Buzz
Quickly test your knowledge of key concepts, definitions,
quotes and formulas with flashcards. Sign up to GoConqr
now to create your first Flashcard deck like the one below now!
12.
Take Regular Study Breaks
When your brain is working, you need to take regular study
breaks to help your brain absorb more information but also to keep you
motivated and focused when
you are working. Take a short break after 45-50 minutes study as your focus and
concentration will become impaired after this period, anything new after 1 hour
30 minutes does not get assimilated.
13.
Listen to the Correct Type of Music
In our blog post “Music for Studying: 10 Tips to Pick the Best Study Music”
we looked into the area of how the correct types of music can lead to more
productive studying by elevating your mood. Have you made your Mozart Spotify
playlist yet?
14.
Make Your Study Space Portable
We may be creatures of habit with favourite seats in the
library but information retention actually improves when you vary the places
where you study. Check out this Buzzfeed video for more study hacks for exams:
15.
Practice, Practice, Practice…
Practicing sample answers to past exam questions can help
train your brain to retrieve information. Create realistic, exam-like condition
and test your understanding by using our new Quiz tool. Try our general
Knowledge Quiz below:
16.
Don’t Stay Up All Night Before an Exam
Make sure to get adequate rest the nights leading up to
your exams. When you sleep, your brain assimilates the information you have learned when studying so
getting a good night’s sleep will help you remember those pesky maths formulas
you need for your exam!
17.
Discover News Ways to Learn
Trying new study methods can help you find what
really works for you. Use technology to your advantage by watching educational
TED Talks or downloading useful dictionary apps for example. Read more about
the benefits of learning how to study for exams with
technology .
18. Use
Scents or Gum to Jog Your Memory
This may seem a bit random but spraying an unfamiliar
scent while you’re studying is one of the study methods that can help jog your
memory when you spray it again just before an exam. Chewing a strange kind of
gum will work the same way.
19.
Study in a Group
Studying in a group can help you collect new insights to
enhance your learning experience. The GoConqr groups tool is an innovative spin on the
traditional study group formula. Our Groups tool helps you share resources,
discuss ideas and interact with members of your team or group project. Sign up here to get started!
20.
Meditate
Meditation is one of the study methods that can help
students stay focused when studying. Not only will meditation help you
concentrate when studying but it will help reduce pre-exam stress as it improves both mental and
physical health.
Our final piece of advice for those of
you sitting exams is to stay positive. It’s amazing how a positive attitude can
impact on your exam results or motivate you to complete that assignment when all you want to do is
go to bed!
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