Describe how you might improve your memory function by changing your studying habits. Provide an explanation of at least two mnemonic techniques, along with your other study strategies. Also, describe lifestyle changes that might help you become a better student.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

One of the best ways to improve outcomes from studying is to use distributed practice rather than mass practice. Mass practice is cramming for an exam, and it often leads to insufficient encoding and an inability to accurately recall the information learned. Distributed practice, where you study a little each day over a long period of time, has been shown to improve recall of the information that has been studied. Practicing and rehearsing is known as overlearning, and it can also be beneficial in improving recall performance. Recitation involves summarizing aloud while you are reading your text. Further, finding a way to make the information personally meaningful will help with recall. Lastly, it has been shown that practicing by repeated testing is also very beneficial. Mnemonics can also be used to improve memory. Any kind of strategy to aid memory is called a mnemonic device. Mnemonics may include acrostic sentences, acronyms, rhymes, the peg-word method, and wordplay. Lifestyle behaviors, including eating right, sleeping right, and staying mentally and physically fit, can also improve memory.