servantheart
Posts: 960
Joined: 10/26/2006
From: Houston, TX
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MadRabbit
My brain is basically like a computer that has a very fast processor but 10 bytes of RAM and 1 kilobyte of harddrive space. I am great at problem solving, deductive reasoning, and understanding logical concepts. However, I have horrible memory when it comes to memorizing and retaining information, particularly stuff like names, facts, dates, etc. My life is organized and held together by a big leather organizer that I keep with me at all times and make excessive notes about anything I need to remember.
I am getting ready to head back to school in the spring and this issue has always been one that has had an impact on my grades.
I would appreciate any advice on ways to help compensate or deal with this as I am trying to do a bit of research on it to try and find some viable solutions for improving my ability to memorize.
Woo Hoo! on Your decision to return to school!  
First, if You don't already know exactly what kind of learner You are, find out. I am a visual/kinesthetic learner who tends to get distracted easily, so the following study strategies work well for me.
I have found, as others here have, that flashcards work wonders. I make up flashcards by asking questions on one side (fill in the blank with the answer on back; "describe_______" with the answer on back; List steps; factors affecting; how to recognize a specific issue/problem and put the answer on the back). I use a different colored pen/gel marker (on plain white cards) or different colored flash card every few flash cards to keep my attention. After I have made up a set of flash cards, I use a hole puncher and put related sets together in a mini-binder. For example, when studying Anatomy & Physiology, I made up a set of flash cards for each bodily system and then a combined set with all systems to study for the final exam. It's also a good idea to periodically mix the order of the cards up so that You don't start anticipating the next card and answering it without really reading it. I like to take these sets of flash cards with me whenever I go somewhere in case I have an unexpected wait (never know when one will be stuck in traffic or end up waiting a long time in line somewhere or in the waiting room at the doctor's office). That way, I turn what would have been annoying idle time into valuable study time.
Different color highlighters are awesome. I highlight the main idea or pertinent information in my textbooks and in class notes.
In the past, I've taken post-it notes or larger index cards, written information on one side, then taped them to the bathroom mirror so I can see them while getting ready to go somewhere.
Study groups are also a good idea, because if there are concepts You're having difficulty with, someone else may be able to explain it more clearly than Your textbook or instructor.
Never forget that google is Your friend 
Here are a few links about learning styles and how learning occurs:
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm
http://www.web-us.com/brain/brainmemoryrythms.htm
http://www.web-us.com/memory/improving_memory.htm
http://www.web-us.com/memory/mnemonic_techniques.htm
The following is geared towards instructors, but there are some neat suggestions that You may be able to use when studying:
http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/chem/chem2/Active/
Best of luck in your education.
_____________________________
When you really trust someone, you have to be okay with not understanding some things.
~Real Live Preacher, Real Live Preacher weblog, 07-08-04; Anonymous author of RealLivePreacher.com
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RE: Advice About Studying For School - 
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