HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY 2

EXERCISE 2: Memorizing an Idea, Theory, or Abstract Statement Sample conceptual statement: Sigmund Freud introduced the importance of the unconscious mindin relation to human behavior. First, be sure you understand what the professor means by "introduced", "importance", "unconscious mind", and "human behavior". You can’t remember what you don’t know (haven’t learned). If the information has significance (meaning) for you, it will be more easily remembered, so try to find a reason that you would like to remember this concept. Like this: "I would like to know if my problems with anger have anything to do with my unconscious fears". (This is reaction). Now, relate this concept to a body of knowledge that already exists in your mind. Like this: "Freud’s theory of the unconscious is related to what I used to call the ‘hidden motives of my heart’, which they talk about in novels and in church. (You are practicing reflection). Now refresh your memory of this concept by thinking about it, or reviewing notes on it, or better yet, by explaining it to someone else. Refresh the day you learn the information, and again a couple of times in the following two weeks.