It’s finals month and you probably haven’t even studied anything yet because you spent all your time on the internet, most likely reading our articles. Have no fear, this time it will pay off! Identity is here to save you, or at least we’ll try.

One of the hardest thing when it comes to studying is memorizing for finals, but it is so critical at this point in the game. If you have a goldfish memory like myself, you’ll probably be struggling with that daunting chemistry test you have coming up, or that Arabic “she3r” you should know as well as your own name by now.

The memorizing method that you should use depends on your strongest sense. If you don’t know your strongest sense, think of your overall memory. Do you remember the lyrics of the song more or the video of it? Do you remember where you place things by actually telling yourself where you placed it, or by the process of placing it? Analyze the things you know you remember and why you remember it, then proceed with the memorizing method that works for you.

Method #1: Auditory

auditory1

If you usually remember conversations without virtually remembering it, you’re probably an auditory learner.

First: You need to read an overview of what you’re about to memorize before you actually start memorizing.

Second: Section the parts you’re supposed to memorize. For each section, create a valid story or simply relate it to something you like, and tell this story to someone.

Example: Hitler was German, which makes him from the same country as my favorite band “Scorpions.”

Now the fact that Hitler and Scorpions are from the same country will be stuck in your head and you’ll remember it. The story has to be the same and unchanged so you won’t be confused; however, each section should have its very own separated story.

Third: Thanks to Youtube, you can now look for people talking about the topic you’re trying to memorize. You’ll hear them talking about it, and it’ll get stuck in your head.

Fourth: This might sound dumb, but singing the stuff you should memorize proves to be extremely effective for people with good auditory learning skills.

Fifth: Record yourself saying the stuff you want to memorize. The thought process is usually with your own voice, so if you listen to yourself saying it, it’ll be stuck in your subconscious.

Sixth: This is the most important part for auditory learners, REPEAT! Whatever tip you’re using, keep repeating it.

Method #2: Visual

see-through-highlighter

If you remember the whole picture and setting of a conversation, not just the dialogue, then you’re a visual learner.

First: Pick a place to study that is empty, or at least doesn’t have distractions. If you have a mirror, you’ll end up remembering visuals happening in the mirror, not what you memorized.

Second: Section everything into diagrams or charts.

Third: Associate things with colors. Back to the WW2 example, write the countries of the Axis in red, relating them to the Nazi symbol, and the Allies in Blue, related to the flags of the UK and the USA. Highlighters would come in handy with this too!

Fourth: Try drawing what you should memorize. Whether it’s drawing your own diagram or a chart, or drawing a whole story for it.

Fifth: Write simple reminders on post-its and stick them on places you usually go to around the house. Your bed, fridge, mirror, etc.

Method #3: Tactile

marit

If you’re a person who always talks with his hands, remembers actions not words, and usually likes to “touch” things, then you’re a tactile learner.

First: Pick a large room, or place, to study in, because you’ll need to move a lot.

Second: Talk out loud when you read, and try to act things out.

Third: Print pictures of things, or the events, you’re studying and put them around. While reading, move around the room and look at the pictures.

Forth: Use learning cards. They aren’t just for kids, anyone could use them. Use numbers and symbols for math equations, for example. You’ll remember the process of card picking, and eventually the numbers as well.

568fd5219faf22a4d804f83f75379aa6

Whichever method you use, remember to keep repeating it until you’re certain that you know it. Keep Q-card with you with the main points written on it to refresh your memory before tests. Reading keywords and/or summaries before you sleep will make your subconscious think about it when you sleep, and will make your memory better. And best of luck on those finals!