Understanding Memory and How to Improve Retention

Updated: 10-Mar-2025 | Created: 10-Mar-2025

Memory is the foundation of learning. Whether you're preparing for exams or trying to absorb new skills, understanding how memory works can help you study smarter, not harder. Here, we explain how memory functions and provide proven techniques to commit information to memory effectively

How Memory Works

Memory operates in three stages:

Encoding: Information enters the brain through the senses (reading, listening, seeing, etc.). The more attention and engagement you give to information, the better it is encoded.
Storage: Once encoded, the information is stored in either short-term or long-term memory. Short-term memory holds small amounts of data temporarily, while long-term memory retains information for extended periods.
Retrieval: When needed, the brain retrieves stored information. Stronger memory connections make recall faster and easier.

Effective Strategies to Improve Memory

Use Active Learning Techniques:
Passive reading or listening is not enough. Instead, engage actively with the material through:
- Summarisation: Rewrite key points in your own words.
- Teaching Others: Explaining a topic to someone else forces you to organise and reinforce your knowledge.
- Self-Testing: Regularly quiz yourself to check recall and highlight weak areas.
Leverage the Spacing Effect:
Instead of cramming, spread out your study sessions. Spaced repetition, where you revisit information at increasing intervals, helps move content from short-term to long-term memory.
Use Mnemonics and Memory Aids:
Mnemonics are tools that help you recall complex information. Some popular techniques include:
- Acronyms: Remembering a sentence where the first letters of each words forms a sequence (e.g., "My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Noodles" for the eight planets in our solar system – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).
- Chunking: Breaking long information into smaller, meaningful chunks (e.g., remembering a phone number as 123-456-789 instead of 123456789).
- Visualization: Associating information with vivid mental images or stories. Especially useful for Humanities subjects.
Improve Focus and Minimise Distractions:
Distractions prevent proper encoding of information. To enhance focus:
- Study in a quiet environment.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat.
- Avoid multitasking – focus on one topic at a time.
Get Enough Sleep:
Memory consolidation happens during sleep. A lack of rest impairs your ability to retain information. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support learning.
Stay Physically Active:
Exercise improves brain function by increasing blood flow and reducing stress. Even a short walk can boost concentration and memory retention.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management:
Stress negatively impacts memory. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can enhance cognitive performance.

Memory is not just about intelligence; it's about using the right strategies to reinforce learning. By understanding how memory works and applying techniques such as active recall, spaced repetition, and mnemonics, you can significantly improve retention and recall. Start implementing these tips today to make studying more effective and efficient!