How to learn without cramming

Your brain is made up of neurons which are interconnected instead of the bits and bytes, as the memory of the computer. Therefore, the information is much better kept to it is not in the sequence, and in a network of facts and connections between them - and teach her, cramming useless.

Remember, with a little effort, really - but it is necessary to change storing tactics. Do not repeat the same thing, and try to make connections between facts and concepts. Here are some tips.

1. Metaphor. Connect the facts with something you already know. Communicate abstract ideas with real-world experience. For example, imagine that the derivative - a speedometer car.

2. Diagram. Charts and diagrams - a material expression of relations between the ideas that arise in your mind. You can make several different schemes in order to remember the same information, if you look at it from different angles. In this case, you will be able to remember everything, even if you forget one of the associations.

3. Difference.

Play the difference - memorize similar things to what they are different. No need to build ideal schemes - it is only important to create a sketch in mind that at the right moment to remember him and to obtain the necessary facts. It helps even when you can not think of a metaphor or draw a diagram. For example: Confucius lived at the same time as Socrates, but in ancient China. Or: Acceleration - it's like gravity, is only applied in any direction.

4. Visualization. Another way to make the idea more concrete - to represent it. And not necessarily represent all of the way it is described - invent characters and situations. Let the country on the world stage will be members of a society, and history of the world - just a few gestures and conversation for their dinner in the dining room. You can replace it to recreate any of the other senses - hearing, smell, touch, etc.

5. Explain to the child. Teach something - the best way to learn. Whatever you are now or have been taught, think about how you would explain it five children? This forces you to simplify the subject and bring ideas to concrete statements - and thus link them into a coherent scheme and remember.

6. Children's imagination. Look at the other side. Spin the idea in the hands and so, and commercials. Dig into it as it should, without looking in a special sense. You do not lose time in vain, it is - a key to better understanding and remembering, as well as all other similar councils.

7. Together. One head it's good, but two better. Teamwork - a lot of different opinions on a single issue, and therefore several times more links. Brainstorming and group discussion - very useful things that help us to learn faster.

Typically 70%. Another useful rule: proceed to the next section, mastered 70% of the material. This will allow you to make rapid progress, did not dwell on the details, which can be learned and then learn from the context. You will be constantly tense, a sense of satiety data will not occur. For example, achieve semidesyatiprotsentnogo understanding of formulas and immediately start learning proof. Learn new words by 70% and amounts to dialogue. So remembering becomes easier, faster and more interesting.

When you need to cram? If what you're trying to learn, memorize not subject using the above methods. Such information happens, and if you can not install it in the logical connection, you just need to learn it. Fortunately, the system works in 95% of cases, therefore, are "illogical" knowledge occur infrequently.

How to Learn Without Memorizing [Scott Young]