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• Sort Information
  Put new information into categories. You can group by dates, people, formulae, etc. It helps to make a chart or concept map as you study so that you see how each topic is linked to others.

• Frequent review
  Studying new information the same day you heard or read it will improve memory significantly. A small review each day is essential if you have memory problems.

• Use humour for exaggeration
  Information stays in memory longer if it is related to something novel and interesting. Make up something funny or exaggerated that ties into what needs to be memorised.

• Explore the senses
  Try learning the information visually, verbally, and kinaesthetically and find which sense works best for you. Some people need to combine two or more senses.

• Colour code
  By using coloured pens, highlighters, Post-it notes and flags, index cards, etc, you can make an impression on your memory. This is a way of sorting information for storage as you assign specific colours.

• Make visual aids
  Draw pictures or cartoon characters, graphs, tables, charts, etc. to aid memory. Even simple stick figures and drawings are useful if you are a visual learner. Pay attention to pictures, charts, etc.

• Rehearse aloud
  Verbal rehearsal is an effective memory tool. Study with someone or use a voice recorder to say what needs to be memorised aloud.

• Make it physical
  Adding a physical activity such as pacing, jumping, throwing a ball, or writing enhances the memory for many people. Typing or rewriting notes is a very effective memory device for people who need to learn kinaesthetically.

• Memorising in your sleep
  Take advantage of your brain’s activity while you sleep. If you do rote memory tasks and review details just before you fall asleep, you’ll greatly increase your ability to remember little details.

• Use First Letters
  Take the first letters or syllables to form a new word that spells out the information. E.g. PEWSAGL stands for the 7 deadly sins: pride, envy, sloth, avarice, gluttony, lust.

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