How to Develop a Photographic Memory

Students have always had, on their wish list, a miracle or herb that can work wonders to improve memory to photographic quality. Poor memory is not only a bane to any serious student, but it is also very worrying especially for the older generation who take it as a sign that the end is nigh. But a poor memory is not an incurable condition. A good memory can be developed even when it has started to go downhill. There are simple ways to improve memory and the best thing is they are not found in expensive herbs or drugs. Some of these simple techniques are;

1.Developing regular studying hours instead of reading and trying to memorize everything in a short time. Students nearing an exam will try to cram several months of study in a few days. Studies have shown that one can improve memory by studying gradually and trying to get one concept at a time at a measured pace.

2.Organizing concepts around each other will help relate them easily and improves memory function. For example, an atom splits to release energy and energy equals mass times constant speed of light. When trying to work around weight of atoms, the constant speed of light could be a trigger to working out an atom’s mass.

3.Trying to understand a concept over several attempts, also known as elaborative rehearsal, will dramatically improve memory. This is the whole idea behind actors going through a script several times.

4.Creating visual triggers helps encode concepts and ideas better and improve memory. The mind is able to hold pictures and diagrams in a better manner than text. A pie chart is always easier to remember than a calculus equation

5.Relating new ideas to ones that one is already familiar with also helps create triggers and improves memory. For example, if one is reading on new concepts in dry cell batteries, relating this to the idea that a dry cell battery is from ni-ca material could help remember that ni-ca is heavier than a Li-on battery.

6.Staying attentive to what one is trying to study is perhaps the most understated concept in trying to improve memory. Grasping a concept on the first encounter readies the mind for further improvements on the concept.

7.Tying ideas and concepts to rhymes, silly chants and other mnemonic devices dramatically helps improve memory. Especially those that are structured around activities that one enjoys.

8.Varying the methods and locations of study is a very good way to improve memory. New surroundings and ways of study will give even old difficult-to-grasp concepts a fresh look.

The few mentioned techniques above are very effective in having a very good and functional memory. The methods have been tried and tested over several years by different students and have been seen to give better memory. Mastering and practicing just a few of these techniques will be the beginning to a photographic memory.

Belle Jose is the author of this article on Improve Memory. Find more information on Guide To Improve Memory here.