Twenty Memory Techniques Adapted from Becoming a Master Student

There are four major categories for improving memory. Each of the four major categories consists of different

techniques that you can use to develop a flexible memory system that fits you.

Organize It - This makes information easier to find.

Be Selective. Imagine you are going to create a test on the material and consider what questions you

would ask. When reading, look for chapter previews, summaries, and review questions. Notice what

the instructor emphasizes in lecture. The key is to try to understand the material, not memorize every

fact or detail.

Make it Meaningful. Learn from the general to the specific. Skim reading assignments to locate the main

idea and then read for details and see how they relate to the big picture. Organize any list of items in a

meaningful way to make them easier to remember (i.e. organize by category, alphabet, time, location,

etc.).

Create Associations. New data is remembered more effectively if associated with similar or related data.

Find examples in things you find interesting or material you have already mastered.

Use Your Body - Getting your senses involved assists in the active learning process.

Learn Actively. Action is a great memory enhancer. Standing up when you study makes it harder to fall

asleep. Read key passages out loud, using a louder voice for main points. Pace back and forth and

gesture as your recite material out loud.

Relax. When you’re relaxed, you absorb new information quickly and recall it with greater ease and accu-

racy. Remember, being relaxed is not the same as being drowsy or asleep. It is a state of alertness,

free of tension.

Create Pictures. Draw diagrams or make cartoons that can be used to connect facts and illustrate relation-

ships. Visual information is associated with a part of the brain that is different from the part that pro-

cesses verbal information. Use your imagination.

Use Your Brain - Know how your memory works, and work with it.

Engage Your Emotions. The amygdala is an area of your brain that lights up with extra neural activity

each time you feel a strong emotion. When a topic excites love, laughter, or fear, the amygdala sends

a flurry of chemical messages telling your brain that the information is important.

Use Your Times of Peak Energy. Study your most difficult subjects during the times when your energy

peaks.

Escape the Short-Term Memory Trap. Short-term memory can fade after a few minutes, and it rarely lasts

more than several hours. A short review within minutes or hours of a study session can move material

from short-term memory into long-term memory.

Distribute Learning. Study in shorter, spaced-out sessions instead of long, marathon sessions. You can

get more done if you take regular breaks. By taking periodic breaks while studying, you allow infor-

mation to sink in.

Recall It - Regularly retrieving and applying information improves access to information.

Remember Something Else. When you can’t remember something that you’re sure you know, remember

something else related. This brainstorm is a good memory jog.

Notice When You Do Remember. To develop your memory, notice when you recall information easily

and ask yourself what memory techniques you use naturally. Also notice when it’s difficult to recall

information so you can adjust your learning techniques.

Use it Before You Lose it. Find some way to make contact with the material regularly; read it, write it,

speak it, apply it, etc. Each time you do so, you widen the neural pathway to the material and make it

easier to recall. Teach the material to others as a way to make contact with the material. Teaching

demands mastery and study groups are especially effective in providing opportunities to teach others.

Spring 2012, Volume 4

Tips from a

College Graduate

This is the season of job

fairs and interviews.

Whether you are looking

for volunteer opportunities

for the summer, or getting

ready to start planning for

a summer job, here are

seven tips to keep in mind:

1. Be prepared. ‘Networking’ opportuni-

ties can happen anywhere,

anytime.

2. Be confident in your

approach. Eye contact,

listening and a strong hand

shake create a presence

that will help you stand

out.

3. Prepare your intro-

duction. Begin the con-

versation with a general

statement about yourself.

The key is to have a short

opening line or introduc-

tion to get conversations

started.

4. Networking is all

about building relation-

ships and giving before

you get. Figure out ways

you can give something to

those that are helping you.

5. Show a strong interest

in the people that you

meet. Ask them how they

got started and what ad-

vice they would give you.

6. Research companies

and people. Know as

much as you can so that

you have talking points

and show that you have

done your homework. You

can never do too much

homework!

7. Always ask people

their preferred method

of communication when

you follow up. Some peo-

ple prefer email, phone or

text. Never assume, ask. It

shows interest and that

you took the time to find

out.

March of Dimes 27-Mar 7:00pm - 8:00pm FRC

Information session on how to get involved and form teams for the March of Dimes Walk at UH.

Super Smash Hunger 29-Mar 7:30pm - 10:00pm FRC

Video game tournament to raise can goods for the Houston Food Bank

Scheduling Mixer 2-Apr 7:00pm - 8:30pm FRC

Upperclass/peer assistance for selecting the best professors and courses

Advising Mixer 4-Apr 7:00pm - 8:30pm CV Lobby

Mix and mingle with academic advisors and plan your schedule

Bauer Mixer 9-Apr 6:00pm - 8:00pm Commons

Open to all majors; Get to know Bauer College and services offered

Resume Workshop 10-Apr 6:00pm - 7:30pm FRC

Fine tune your resume and learn how to market yourself

Mock Interviews 11-Apr 6:00pm - 7:30pm Ballroom

Get insight into what to do and/or not do in an interview

Business Fashion Show 12-Apr 7:00pm - 8:00pm Commons

Showing the many categories of appropriate attire from casual to formal

PreHealth Org Fair 16-Apr 5:00pm - 7:00pm Commons

Learn about the PreHealth Organizations on campus

Health Career Panel 17-Apr 7:00pm - 8:00pm FRC

Meet with health professionals from many different fields up close and personal

Undergrad Research 18-Apr 6:00pm - 7:30pm FRC

Learn more about undergraduate research opportunities and how you can get involved

FYRE Talent Show 19-Apr 7:00pm - 10:00pm Commons

Show off your talents; Audition information coming soon.

Spring 2012, Volume 4

The Freshman Year Residential Experience is committed to providing quality programs for

residents. You may have participated in a few events that we have hosted over this aca-

demic year, like the UH Football Watch Party, Finals Pillow Fight, various Study Nights,

and Study Group socials. Here is what we have planned for the rest of the semester:

Questions, Comments,

Suggestions? Feel free

to contact us.

Freshman Year

Residential Experience

Moody Towers—Rm 15

713-743-6881

fyre@uh.edu

www.uh.edu/fyre

Christopher Miller, Pro-

gram Coordinator

Andy Chang,

Student Programming

Director

housing@uh.edu