Tips for Memorization - Seneca College

Tips for Memorization
Write and Rewrite
Why?
Write out key points from lecture notes. Having to write them engages
not only verbal skills but also visual skills.
If there is something you are having problems memorizing, write it out
a few times and then cover it and try to write it again.
The act of writing it out often helps you remember when you
have to recall the information later.
Use Mnemonic Devices
Create a mnemonic, or memory tool. For example, take the first letter
of each line and form a word or phrase out of it to create an acrostic.
EX. B O Y S F A N *an easy way to remember the list
u r e o o n o coordinating conjunctions
t t r d r
Categorization or Alphabetizing
Why?
Group the information into categories or lists
Grouping things into compartments or categories helps to organize
the information and makes it easier to memorize.
EX.
A grocery list: celery, milk, beef, ham, broccoli, eggs, sausage,
butter, carrots
Meat Dairy Produce
sausage milk carrots
ham butter broccoli
beef eggs celery
Organize the information by organizing it alphabetically.
EX.
When you recognize that the letter “B” comes before the letter
“M” in the alphabet, it may help you to remember that the author
“Brideau” was born before the author “Milner.”

Word Meaning as Memory Aid
Why?
Look at the parts that make up the word you are trying to memorize
and try to derive meaning from it.
Often, once you can see how the word is put together, you have
a better understanding of it and it is more meaningful.
EX.
Octo – means 8, so we know that an Octopus’ name comes from
the fact that it has 8 legs.
Association
Why?
Try to make connections between information you are trying to
memorize and information you already know.
Associating new information with old information will help you
retain what you are trying to memorize.
EX.
If you have to remember a date such as January 16, 1979, you may
already know that that is the day your sister was born.
Spaced Study
Divide up study time into smaller units rather than large blocks.
Divide how much material you will cover in 45-minute sessions then
stick to it. Take breaks in between to get up and walk around or get a
drink.
Why?
It has been proven that when studying is broken up into smaller
chunks, the time necessary for memorization is less. Secondly,
it’s psychologically rewarding to study in smaller periods because
you feel accomplished and make progress.
Visualization
Why?
Try to visualize what you are trying to memorize. Try to picture what
you are studying, whether it is an image from a novel or a diagram from
a textbook.
Draw it. Pick up your pencil and draw out a diagram or chart or graph to
illustrate the concept that you are trying to memorize. This technique
utilized both your verbal and visual skills and will have a greater impact on
memory.
Often a picture of visual representation is easier to recall than a
lengthy verbal description.

Quiz and Discuss
Why?
After you have covered all the material, get together with a friend in
the course and quiz each other on the material covered.
Share information with one another and when you’re not sure of an
answer, discuss it.
Having to think about it and explain it to someone else will help
you remember the material when you need to recall it later for a
test.