Memorization becomes easier

Students have learned to study in some very interesting ways. This student uses the old fashion way, paper and pencil. Photo by Nathan Taylor.

By Tina Somchit

Tired of trying to memorize a professor’s lesson for an exam? There is a proven way that can make your life easier.

Scientifically, our brain works in a certain way when it comes to memorization. The best time to recite the material is when you are about to forget. If you recite it before that, then it becomes a waste of time, and if you recite it after that, you will tend to forget the material you try to learn, and you will have to relearn it.

Piotr Wozniak was the leader in creating Supermemo, a computer-based system similar to flash cards, and has been an integral member in researching the theory of spaced repetition. He has found that discovering the right algorithm will help let a computer find the moment before someone forgets.

Supermemo keeps the information you are trying to memorize, and reminds you at the time it calculates to be the best period to recite it. Over time, you will remember the information for longer periods of time, so the system will not remind you as often.

There is no evidence found that Waldorf College students have discovered this system yet. Other than this program, Lydia Grey, AACE coordinator, said she would recommend the students use “flashcards, and keep repeating them.”

This useful Supermemo is best for learning a new language. When you try to remember the vocabulary, this system is very useful because of how different new languages, which you may not be familiar with, are. As you get older and older, learning a new language becomes harder, which makes this tip very useful for college students trying to learn new languages.

Claudio Cruz, an international student from Brazil, a country with a national language of Portuguese, revealed his tip for learning English. He said when he watched movies, he would watch it in Portuguese with English subtitles. When he found a new word, he would try to remember it and use it in his daily life as much as he could. This way, he would be able to remember it with action and experience.

There are several phone applications that are similar to Supermemo you can download. Or simply go to the website www.supermemo.com