Retaining information: 5 tips for your studies

Before taking an exam, it is common for students to resort to long hours of study, but this is bad practice in learning and retaining information.

The retention process does not depend on the number of hours studied, but on the memorisation technique used and the recovery time between sessions. This means that it is more of a strategy and not a question of the amount of time spent.

Therefore, we are going to share with you some tips for your studies that will help you retain information and study efficiently, without the need for marathon study days.

Maps and outlines

Maps or diagrams are a graphic representation that allows the synterisation of ideas through connections that help to order and associate concepts that are related to the central point or topic.

This type of study technique helps to enhance the ability to retain and organise information, improving memory, giving creativity a relevant importance. A map or outline requires the following characteristics:

• Use key words.
• The main idea goes in the centre, and secondary ideas go around it.
• Lines are used to link ideas.
• Images are used to represent ideas, help retaining information and many more concepts.
• Association and mnemonics

Mnemonics are formed by associating the subjects to be memorised with already known ideas, objects or elements. The last mentioned is the key and important aspect of effective memorisation.

This technique is very useful, because it works as a bridge to increase the probability of remembering something. Ideally, it should comply with three essential rules. It should be surprising or absurd, it should replace what is difficult to memorise with an image that is easier to visualise, and the image should be dynamic.

Reading aloud

Involving the senses is an ideal technique in retaining information, reading aloud involves the eyes and ears participating together in the process.

The act of reading a study text aloud is an effective way to memorise, unlike reading it silently or listening to someone else read it, because in this technique you are doing two things at the same time, and the brain processes the sound of your own voice much faster than the sound of someone else’s voice.

Group review

Review is a study technique that consists of rereading what has been previously studied, the purpose of which is to consolidate knowledge and reinforce the memory of what is to be memorised.

As an objective, group review is about reinforcing important knowledge and sharing information with fellow students. Because everyone understands some things in their own way, and sharing knowledge helps to retain and understand the information much better.

Once you are clear about what is really important, you need to determine suitable formats or materials for a quick and effective group review. This can be done through outlines, summaries, mind maps, concept maps, etc.

Practical exercises

To strengthen the mind and retain information in an adequate way, it is recommended to practice games or practical exercises of reasoning. Which are pleasant and entertaining, and there are many playful and fun activities available.

In many cases, what is easiest is the resolution of crossword puzzles, sudokus or word searches, which can be done with the important information that needs to be studied. The mind is activated with entertainment while it is storing all the information that is desired.

In addition, there are also external games that help in mental ability such as chess or checkers, whose practice improves and helps the mind to stay active.