Active Recall and Memory Tricks for Students 

As we get older, one of the most important ways to get good grades in school is by committing things to memory. This technique is actually how we build our language and mathematical skills. Everything from counting to ten to learning the alphabet was accomplished through the use of memory. But with each new year, the lessons in school grow more complex, and our memory is expected to keep up. If you are struggling with committing things to memory, or perhaps you’re having trouble remembering to do your homework on time, this article can help. Take a look below at all the ways that NSHSS Young Scholars can help you improve your memory skills. Trust us, it’s a helpful guide you won’t forget! 

1. Flashcards 

No matter what subject you’re working on, the simple act of creating and then memorizing flash cards can be a huge help in committing your lessons to memory. Just remember to shuffle your flash cards at random after a few rounds; otherwise, you’ll just end up remembering the order more than the information. 

2. Make It Fun

There are plenty of fun and exciting ways to improve your memory. One way is by creating a game to help memorize your lesson. Maybe you create an adventure game where your parents hide prizes around the house, and each clue is an answer from your homework. Or perhaps you like to write songs, or stories, and you create a work of art using the details from the lesson themselves. Whatever way you choose, making it fun will certainly make it memorable.

3. Be The Teacher 

A common trick for students is to stand at the front of the room, just as their teacher does in school, and teach the lesson again. This process of speaking with authority and taking ownership over the material will help boost your confidence, which in-turn will help with memory. 

4. Cover and Recall

If you are faced with reading long passages of a history or science textbook filled with dates, numbers, names, and places, you might feel overwhelmed. But a key to minimizing that stress is to read only sections of those chapters at a time. Then, after each section, close the book and try to write out or verbally recall what you just read. This active participation during your reading will help keep the information sharp and clear, and it will lessen the burden of reading all those long passages. 

5. Find Balance 

The key to any type of learning is to not overdo it. If you spend an hour creating note cards, take a break before you dig into memorizing them. If you’ve spent all afternoon acting as your teacher at the front of your imaginary classroom, then shake it off and go outside for some fresh air. Even if you’ve only made it through half of that history textbook and you’re feeling tired, then go get a snack and watch some tv. As crazy as it sounds, letting yourself stretch your legs, be momentarily distracted, and forget about all your hard work for a minute will be a good thing. If you push yourself too much, you might just get so tired and burnt out that you don’t remember anything at all. 

6. A Good Night’s Rest

Finally, never overlook the power of good sleep. After a long day, week, or month committing things to memory and keeping up with all your homework, it can be tiring. Be sure to go to bed at a reasonable hour, don’t use phone screens in the dark, and try to get a full eight hours every night. Sure, it sounds a bit old fashioned. But sometimes the best practices are the ones that have been around forever. And that’s because they work. 

However, you decide to improve your memory, be sure to choose the right thing for you. We at NSHSS Young Scholars are excited for each new chapter of your life, and we want to guide you along the way. So stay sharp, stay motivated, and stay consistent. In the end, the hard work will always be worth the effort!