Elephantine memory and mindmapping

An important feature of any learning is memory. Without it all learning is futile. Some have razor sharp memory, but others have average to poor memory. Memory can be improved vastly by using some of the memory techniques.

1. Any new learning can be grasped faster by associating the new information with any acquired learning. This helps to see the possible connection and lends greater meaning and significance to the information learnt.

2. Studies have revealed that memory improves by using both sides of the brain. This is whole-brain thinking. The attributes of the left side of the brain are logic, words, lists, numbers, sequences and analysis, and for the right side it is rhythm, imagination, daydreaming, color, size and spatial awareness. Working on using both these elements will strengthen memory.

3. The most common problem of memory is lack of proper attention.

4. You can picture the information you want to remember in a sequence and the more bizarre, humorous and inflated the images, the greater the recall.

5. Main ideas or information can be strung into an unusual story. You can remember a long series of information by spinning a story out of it.

6. Acronym, which is taking a word out of each item to be recalled, is an effective method way for remembering information in an order by. E.g. My Very Elegant Mother Just Served Us Nine Peas – represent 9 planets of the sun - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

7. Using the first letter of each item that stands for a word in a phrase is Acrostic. Eg. Pink = Pink is a special color; I like it more for its subtle shade, Never loud or garish; Kind of gentle and pleasing always.

8. Chunking is an effective method often used in numbers. A 12-digit number can be split in 2 units of 6 each for easy recalling. E.g. number 982615947502 can be cut into two units of 982615 – 947502. You can also chunk items under different concepts such as - fruits, vegetables, animals, etc.

An equally powerful and easy technique for reinforcing learning and memory is Mind Mapping. Mind mapping technique is primarily based on how we think, remember and recall.

It induces whole-brain thinking by kindling a chain of associated thoughts and ideas. It draws your full and focused attention and adopts visual stimuli such as colors, pictures, symbols, dimensions, etc., creating vividness, and strengthening recalling abilities.

The Mind Map technique has the potential to trigger greater creativity, imagination and insight. You have to experience the technique to realize its true value.