Memorization is a technique students can use to help them learn. Recalling information quickly is important for long- term success in school and a career. Students who can memorize basic reading and math facts in grades K-6 are better prepared to master skills that require critical thinking in high school and college. Teachers can help students use memorization strategies suited to their specific learning needs.
Memory and Learning Style
Reinforcement Techniques
Memory and Learning Style
- The way people remember information is directly related to their individual learning style. According to an article on Alamo College's Strategies for Success website, most people are either auditory, visual or kinesthetic learners, or a combination of the three. Once teachers become aware of how their students learn, they can demonstrate memorization techniques.
Most people are visual learners. They can remember facts and details if they associate them with an image or color. For example, visual learners can recall information that is presented to them on charts and graphs. They also benefit from computer games that contain sound and animation.
Auditory learners remember the spoken word. They can hear a lecture, write notes and recall information. Auditory learners benefit from materials that are summarized like chapter summaries or book synopses. These students will also remember what they hear themselves say. For example, a teacher can ask an auditory learner to be the spokesperson for cooperative learning groups in which each group has to give directions or deliver a presentation of their activity. This increases an auditory learner's ability to remember.
Kinesthetic learners can memorize with hands-on activities. They remember information more easily if they use hand gestures or manipulatives for association. Because they are physical learners, they can retain what they learn by experimenting and performing activities like constructing objects from clay. They can memorize letter shapes and numbers if they can write them in sand or shaving cream.
Reinforcement Techniques
- Memorization is helpful for remembering information in all subject areas. Teachers should model many strategies for their students and help them find the one(s) that are most effective for them. Study Guides and Strategies, an online educational resource center, recommends several activities that will aid students. Flash cards are effective for remembering math facts and sight words. Preschool and kindergarten students learn songs to help them memorize the alphabet, months of the year and numbers.
High school and college students rely on memorization when studying history and science. These subjects contain large amounts of information for students to retain and then recall on tests. The most effective techniques for remembering this type of material are repetition and visualization. When students are studying notes, they should highlight keywords as they read. Highlighting helps students visualize these important words when they take a the test because the bright color of the marker makes the word stand out in their minds. After reading a section of notes on a particular topic, they should write a summary without looking back at their information. This summary can be structured like an outline with the main points written in short phrases. Repeated readings of the notes and these summaries can help students recall most of their notes.