Memory and Study Aids
Mack Gipson, Jr.
Tutorial and Enrichment Center
Gayla S. KeeseeEducation Specialist
Build Good Habits
Positive ThinkingBuild confidence; set goals
Self-ManagementBe aware of how you learn
Hierarchical ThinkingPrioritizing & organizing
Creative & Critical ThinkingProblem-solving & synthesizing
Asking QuestionsFocus, Motivation, Active learning
Complete the Learning
Cycle
Memorize new information, rules and concepts
Assimilate and organize new information
Use information to analyze, synthesize and problem-solve
Incorporate information into evaluations, judgments and predictions
Memory and Study Aids
Memory and Study Aids
Visual aids/word associations
Drawings, Pictures, ModelsGraphic OrganizersDiagrams and Charts—Tables/Grids
Flashcards
Visual Aids
Drawings, pictures, models
Physically create visual elementsDrawings or pictures of definitionsPictures of situations where the word would be usedDraw crazy visual associations
Word Associations
• Façade—false, superficial, or artificial appearance•FACE—false face
• Benign—kindly, gentle
•Be + 9
+ 9
Word Associations
Visual Aids
Create a graphic organizer in which you answer the following questions
What is it? (Category)Other forms (Change part of speech)What is it like? (Properties)What are some examples? (Illustrations)
Learning Styles:Writing (tactile) and reading
(visual)
Cynic
What is it? noun, kind of personOther forms: adj.—cynical
adv.—cynicallynoun—cynicism
What is it like? pessimistic, scornful, sneering, contemptuous, distrustful, sarcastic
Examples: Someone who doesn’t think democracy can be honest and efficient
Someone who believes that human conduct is motivated solely by self-interest
Diagrams Charts
Table or grid—possible headings
Word MeaningPart of speechWord Structure
– Roots, prefixes, suffixes– Number of syllables
Common Usage– Describes people– Describes places– Describes things
Categorization Grid
Words to describe people
Pompous Arrogant Diligent
Obtuse Morose Garrulous
Malicious Uncouth Flippant
Pessimistic Cynical Timid
Flashcards
Create flashcards to help you study
Don’t make too small4x6 are bestCarry them with youReview them oftenBreak into small groups for easier learningShuffle frequently so you don’t learn a pattern
Flashcards—Advantages
Chunks information into smaller categories to aid memory
Nouns—persons, places, thingsVerbs—plural/singular or tensesPhrases—common usage
Use of color signals categoriesdifferent colored cardshighlighters
Flashcards—Advantages
Use either written or visual informationEasily rearranged and sorted
Do not learn the words in a fixed order.Learn only words need to remember.
Can be used for different purposes
Lists of itemsGrammar rulesQuiz prep—questions/answers
Flashcards—Advantages
Size and portability easy to carryuse for short, frequent reviewsreview in spare time that is often wasted—like waiting in line or between classes.
Physically moving and manipulating the cards incorporates tactile learning
Flashcards—Advantages
Writing down the material on cards aids your memory in itself.
76 repetitions of information to go into long term memory
One Way to Study
1. At least once a day, go through your pack of index cards—spend 10-15 minutes each time.
2. Sort the cards into two stacks—those you know and those you do not know.
3. Periodically review the entire set of words to keep them fresh in your mind.
When to Use Flashcards
Study your vocabulary for 10-15 minutes a day
Riding the busRiding in a carBefore bedWhen you get up in the morningWaiting in line Doing your laundry
What to Include:
Flashcards
Conglomerate
con-glom’-er-it
Def: an organization comprising two
or more companies that produce unrelated
products. EX: Nichols company owns
a shoe factory, vineyards in France, soft
drink factories, and Sara Jane pastry.
Front
Back
Flashcards
Definition—Picture Two-sidedWord and picture on front sideContext sentence on back side
The diligent student worked hard on his
homework.
Diligent
Study Tips
Do your studying in relatively small chunks
45-60 minutes at a time
Study vocabulary several times a day
5-10 minutes at a time
Study Tips
When studying, use as many senses as possible
Speaking—say the wordListening—hear you or someone else Writing—physically practice writing the wordsReading—words in contextAct-out the definitions
Study Tips
Be an interactive learnerStudy with a friendStart a study group
Make up sentences togetherQuiz each other Create crossword puzzles and exchange them
Study Tips
Be an active learnerSay the words out loudWrite the wordsRecord words/definitions on a cassette and play over & overPractice saying new words out loud
Study Tips
Use new vocabularyConversationsEssays, reportsLetters
Notice when others use your vocabulary words
radio, TVmagazines, newspapers
Study Tips
Don’t refer to your vocabulary list as you do your homework
Review material before starting homeworkWork from memoryComplete the entire exercise, then check your work
Study Tips
Practice seeing the new word in context
Create simple sentences about a specific contextDescribe what is happening in that setting
home, school, work, Augusta Mall, movie theater…
Don’t
Don’t panicNormal not to master new vocabulary on the first try Constant practice and review are essential
Don’t study for long periods without a break
Memory overload
Have Fun!
Learning is a lifelong process. Develop good habits now, and they
will last forever.
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