PROVE IT YOURSELF

Improve Your Memory

Q: Can you improve your ability to learn and remember new information??

A: Yes!

The following techniques take advantage of the brain's storage and retreival mechanisms:

• Concentrate. This may seem obvious, but paying attention increases brain activity and epinephrine levels, thereby consolidation of information into long-term memory.
• Minimize interference. Go where it is quiet. A noisy environment will impaire your ability to concentrate.
• Break down large amount of information into smaller topics. Give yourself time to review each topic, and take a break in between.
• Rephrase material in your own words. Restate the information in a way that makes sense to you personally.

Short-term memory involves quick bursts of action potentials. Every time you read, think about, or test your self on a concept, more neurons fire. By studying new material actively and repeatedly, you trigger additional action potentials and improve long-term retention because the neural synapses are reinforced by use.