- May 28, 2025
7 Fast Memory Techniques That Your Competitors Hide
Exams are approaching with an ocean of knowledge waiting to be mastered. From lengthy theoretical content to complex formulas that easily cause confusion, students often feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, even studying diligently every day and continuous learning isn't the perfect solution. Above all, you need a method that's smart and sharp enough.
So, let's explore with CHUS some fast memory techniques to "compress" all this knowledge for the perfect exam performance!
1. Active Recall
The first fast memorization method is the active recall technique. Instead of just reading and re-reading materials, actively ask questions and answer them yourself. This is one of the most effective study methods for students, scientifically proven to force the brain to work actively to retrieve information from memory.
How to implement: After reading a section of material, close the book and ask yourself questions about the content you just learned. If you can't remember, open the book to check and repeat this process. These memory techniques help the brain retain information deeper and longer.
The Active Recall method helps the brain work actively
2. Mind Mapping
Creating mind maps helps you visualize connections between concepts and organize information logically. Mind mapping is one of the learning techniques that many excellent students apply for graduation exams.
Mind maps help organize knowledge systematically
Start with the main topic in the center, then branch out to main ideas and sub-ideas. Use colors and images to increase visual appeal and memorability. These fast memory techniques are especially effective when combined with hand-drawing. This effective study method is particularly useful for graduation exam subjects like History, Geography, and Biology - subjects with lots of information that needs to be memorized and interconnected.
Teacher H. Nhu (a high school Biology teacher) shares: "I often have students draw comprehensive mind maps of knowledge by chapter. Students remember knowledge more clearly while having ready-made materials for review. This method is quite effective and many students enjoy it."
3. Spaced Repetition Method
This quick memorization strategy is based on the principle of the forgetting curve. Instead of studying once for a long period, you divide study time into smaller segments and repeat at specific intervals. This is a fast memory technique recommended by many education experts.
Chart illustrating the forgetting curve, showing how much we remember (vertical axis) decreases over time (horizontal axis). Source: elearningindustry.com
3.1. The 1-3-7-21 Rule
Repeat knowledge after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 21 days. These memory techniques help transfer information from short-term to long-term memory effectively, becoming memorization secrets for many top students during graduation exam preparation.
3.2. Using Technology Support
Applications like Anki and Quizlet with flashcard creation capabilities can help you apply these fast memory techniques automatically and scientifically. You just need to store this information and occasionally open it for study to maintain retention.
4. Creative Memory Techniques (Mnemonics)
Study tips for exams through creative techniques like creating poems, acronyms, or stories to remember complex information. These memory techniques are very suitable for students with creative thinking.
1. Acronym Method
Create acronyms from the first letters of information you need to remember into a pronounceable word. These fast memory techniques are especially effective with formulas and rules. For example, you can use OSASCOMP - representing adjective order, shortened from Opinion - Size - Age - Shape - Color - Origin - Material - Purpose.
2. Story Technique
Combine information you need to remember into a logical and interesting story. The human brain tends to remember stories better than scattered facts. These memory techniques help transform dry information into vivid content.
Creative memorization makes complex things really easy
5. Movement and Alternating Study
Combining light movement during the study process can significantly improve memory ability. Walking while reading or changing study positions both have positive effects. These memory techniques are supported by many scientific studies.
Movement helps increase blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and memory. Many studies show students applying this secret increase learning techniques effectiveness, reduce stress, and have some positive impact on physical health.
For instance, student K. Trang (valedictorian of block D from a western province) said: "I often combine studying alternately with walking back and forth around the room or yard. This is both comfortable and helps me remember longer and even be more creative when exploring literary works."
Light movement while studying helps increase memory efficiency and creativity
6. Active Learning Through Explanation
One of the most effective study methods for students is self-explaining knowledge in your own words. When you can explain a concept, it proves you truly understand and remember it. These memory techniques help consolidate knowledge naturally - in other words, learning with understanding, not rote memorization.
1. Feynman Technique
Memorization strategies using the Feynman technique mean presenting problems as if you're explaining to a 5-year-old child. If you can't explain simply, it means you don't truly understand. This helps discover knowledge gaps to not only memorize quickly but also understand deeply and retain longer.
2. Self-Asking "Why" Questions
Continuously ask "why" questions to delve into the essence of problems and create logical connections in memory. This quick learning technique helps understand problems more deeply, making knowledge more flexible during application. This method is especially suitable for natural science subjects with difficult-to-understand formulas.
7. Teaching Others
The final fast memory technique in exam preparation strategies is teaching knowledge to others. This is the most effective way to test and consolidate knowledge, considered the best memorization tip for graduation exams.
Teaching others helps consolidate knowledge naturally
1. Creating Study Groups
Join or create study groups where everyone can share and explain knowledge to each other. These memory techniques not only help you learn but also create study motivation.
Student M. Cuong (valedictorian of block A at a high school) shares: "Instead of studying alone, I regularly study in groups with friends. Each person excels in different subjects and takes turns guiding others. This helps me remember longer and understand problems thoroughly."
2. Using Social Media
Share knowledge on study groups, forums, or create explanatory videos. This not only helps you apply fast memory techniques but also helps others.
8. Creating a Suitable Study Environment
The study environment plays an important role in applying fast memory techniques. Each person has a different learning style, so finding a space suitable for yourself is necessary.
Some prefer studying in quiet spaces like libraries, while others concentrate better with light background music. Memory techniques will achieve maximum effectiveness when you feel comfortable with your surroundings.
> >> Read more: How to Overcome Exam Stress: 10 Psychology-Backed Methods
To increase comfort - the most important thing, you should consider upgrading your space with gentle lighting and pleasant fragrances. You might consider some scented candle and essential oil ideas:
Conclusion
Hopefully, these 8 fast memory techniques have provided you with useful knowledge to prepare for your upcoming important exams. Properly applying these quick memorization strategies will help you study more effectively and achieve desired results.
Save these study tips right away because these exam memorization methods will not only be effective now but also help you develop lifelong learning abilities. Keep following CHUS for more effective study and lifestyle secrets, as well as wonderful products and gifts for an inspiring life.
Finally, we wish all students great success in their exams!
