To Improve memory

Hindustan Times is carrying a series of articles on brain and mental processes by Ankur Gupta under the column Open Mind.

In the paper dated 10 th February page 9, Ankur Gupta discussed memory.While the article may not contain new issues, it brought out the current scientific thinking regarding brain and memory and gives ideas regarding improving memory regarding things and topics one wants to remember.

The scientific thoughts stated in article:

Brain does not delete anything.

Each time we absorb new information, the brain continues to store it even if we're not consciously aware that it has.

Memory in the brain is like a muscle. The more you use it the better it gets.

Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for memory improvement.

Physical activity and cognitive function have a relationship.

Rote learning is a surprisingly effective way to combat age related memory loss. Elders who engaged in rote learning for some period followed by long period of rest showed significant improvement in memory and verbal recall.

Suggestions for improving memory

Create mnemonics for the list of things you want to remember.

Example given: to remember names, Manasi, Aarti, shivam, Tulika, and Indira
Create the mnemonic MASTI. MASTI acts as a reminder and the five names come out once you think of MASTI.

When you are creating mnemonics or acronyms try to visualise. Attach something physical object or scene to it. Visualisation is a strong memory technique.

The author indicated that he is going to write more articles on memory in the coming days.

Watch out and read them

Other relevant sites

http://www.academictips.org/memory/index.html

Contents

Introduction

Association, Imagination and Location
Memory Fallacies
Learning Styles and Mnemonics
Using Mnemonics more Effectively
Expanding Mnemonic Systems
Hints on Using Mnemonics


Memory Techniques Explained

Mind Tools Mnemonic Grades
Link Method - v. simple
Number/Rhyme Mnemonic - simple, effective
Number/Shape Mnemonic - simple, effective
Alphabet System - more complex
Journey Method - simple, powerful
Roman Room Method - simple, powerful
Major System - complex, v. powerful


Applications of Mnemonic Techniques

Learning Foreign Languages
Using Mnemonics for Exams
Remembering Peoples' Names
Remembering Lists
Remembering Words, Speaches and Quotations
Remembering Numbers
Remembering Telephone Numbers
Remembering Dates
Remembering Playing Cards


http://www.helpguide.org/life/improving_memory.htm

http://www.mindtools.com/memory.html

This site has content for many soft skills

http://oedb.org/library/features/the-memory-toolbox
75 suggestions to improve your memory