Memorization is the practice of using specific techniques to learn new information and store it permanently in your long term memory. Done correctly, memorization can mean that an individual can recall information learnt years previously.
A bad memory is usually the result of poor memorization techniques. Once mastered, anyone can and is able to massively increase their potential to learn. It is not just the ability to learn that is important. Memorization also helps to improve the health of your brain.
This may seem strange, but in actual fact, it makes perfect sense. Your brain is like a sponge. The more you learn the more saturated with information it gets. But unlike a sponge which can only hold so much, your brain has the amazing ability to learn exponentially. It literally grows new neural pathways which in turn increases your brain power.
Neural pathways are the connections between the various parts of the nervous system, including the messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A healthy brain and healthy body is dependent upon strong neural pathways.
It was once thought that humans were born with a given number of brain cells and that these died and depleted over time eventually leading to a deterioration of brain function. Studies have found that this is only partially true. Learning and actively training your mind helps to rebuild the connections within the brain. This helps to delay the onset of age related memory loss.
Using memorization techniques will help to strengthen the brain and increase its capacity to learn and grow. One simple technique to use is repetition coupled with vocalization. This technique requires that you read what you are learning aloud and repeat it several times.
You may think that this is nothing special, since this is what many people do, but there are subtle differences in the way many people learn and the way that a person should learn for optimum results. For example, if you had to study a large set of notes, you would firstly need to condense your notes to the bare bones of the most important concepts and keywords.
Next, you would organize your material so that it was in point form – in other words in short sentences that you can understand and which make sense. You would then read aloud the first sentence and repeat with your eyes closed. Repeat the process and then move onto the next sentence.
When you get to the second sentence, you start with your first sentence again and then the second sentence and learn it in the same manner. Repeat through your list of points so that each time you learn a new point, it involves re-iterating loudly all the points before it and also again with the eyes closed.
Because memories are fragile, you need to consolidate what you have learnt and store it immediately. The best way to do this is to take a nap. Napping is the best way for your mind to sort through the information learnt and store it in your long term memory. You should find that once you wake up, you will find recall easy, regardless of how many notes you have learnt.
Any studying and memorization which is followed with a nap helps you to store the information and keep it there. This practice alone will help to expand your mind and help you achieve a perfect brain.
