Memory: Our BFF at Exam time!

Our brains are truly amazing! Did you know that they contain more than 10 billion neurons? Each time we learn something new, pathways are created between neurons. That is where all the information we learn is stored.
 
To save information, create pathways, and retrieve memories, we must move information from our short-term (or working) memory into our long-term memory. Our short-term memory is just that; it can only keep small bits of information for a very short amount of time. This isn’t helpful when it’s time to write tests and exams. So, we need to transfer the information we acquire into our long-term memory, where it can be stored for really long periods of time and where we can retrieve it when necessary.
 
This process requires two very important actions: review and practice.

Some school subjects involve more memorization than others, but all of them require you to reason (make sense), apply (use) information, and make connections. To do all these things, you must store information in your memory. The first step is to review: revisit important lessons you learned in class—a lot! The word review probably brings to mind tedious work, like memorizing all the road signs to pass your driving test. So, here are some far cooler strategies to store information more effectively in your long-term memory:
 

• Make associations:  Make up rhymes, songs, raps, or silly stories to help you remember important information. By associating ideas using creative techniques and then repeating them, you build long-lasting memory pathways.
• Use a multi-sensory approach when you study. Use bright colours to highlight key words, toss a ball as you memorize facts, and use visuals like diagrams, timelines, and illustrations.
• Organize information by category. A great way to do this is with graphic organizers, Venn Diagrams and mind maps. These are also visuals, but the difference is they allow you to organize information, structure ideas, and simplify connections between concepts.
• Use mnemonic devices . A mnemonic device is a fun technique to help you work your memory in different ways. The acronym BEMDAS, for example, helps you to remember the order of operations. Acrostics work well too. Create a silly sentence with the first letter of each word you must remember. One popular example is King Henry Died Unexpectedly Drinking Chocolate Milk, which helps you recall the prefixes and order of the units of measure in the metric system. 
• Read aloud. Whenever possible, read information out loud and ask yourself questions. This kind of active learning works well because you are doing two things at once—speaking and hearing.
• Use Alloprof resources. Our concept sheets explain information clearly using visuals and examples, just like a textbook. You can also watch our videos. In each short video, a teacher explains a concept or strategy using everyday scenarios and concrete examples. They’re great for taking notes, too!

A large part of what we learn is never forgotten: think about your ability to catch a ball, walk, or ride a bike. That’s because you repeated these actions over and over again until you got them right. It goes without saying that much of what we learn, both in and out of school, needs to be practised. Practising new information will reinforce it in your long-term memory—just like riding a bike! Of course, there are many strategies that you can use to exercise your memory, especially when it comes time to prepare for tests and exams. Remember: The more you use those neural pathways, the stronger they get!

• Teach it. One of the best ways to make sure that you understand the material for a test or exam is to teach it to someone else. This allows you to explore, elaborate, and reformulate the ideas in your own words. You can even answer questions posed by other students in the Help Zone. If you can explain it, then you know it!
• Write your own test or build practice tests with friends. Turn your questions into a game like Jeopardy or use a Kahoot. Work with a study group where you can exchange ideas and test one another’s knowledge.
• Do practice exercises. Completing example questions may not sound like fun, but it is important to practise what you have learned multiple times and error-free. Alloprof has many online exercises for you to practise and test your knowledge. Why not check them out! You can even ask your teacher for some extra practice sheets.
• Make flash cards. Testing yourself with flashcards is a great way to retain information. To create flashcards, write a question on one side and the answer on the other. You can ask a parent, sibling, or friend to test you.  If you don’t have index cards, here are some online programs that you can use to create your own flashcards:
  • Chegg
  • Quizlet
  • StudyBlue
  • Genially
  • Kahoot
  • Canva and Visme (these sites have templates for printable cards)
• Create a memory aid and use it while you review for your next text or exam. Include some visuals too!
• Use mistakes to improve. See errors as clues or challenges that will help your brain grow.
• Play games. Alloprof has a large selection of games for you to practise your knowledge. Although most of them are only available in French (for now!), many can still be used by all students:
  • Solitary Reaction (Secondary IV and V): This bilingual game allows you to practise balancing chemical equations.
  • Fin Lapin 3 and Météormath (Grades 1 to Sec. II): Math is a universal language, so use these games to practise your computational skills and to find missing terms in an equation.
  • Allo Monde (Grades 4 to Sec. II): Play this game to practise geography facts here and around the world!
  • Visit our game section today!

Reviewing and practising for tests and exams is challenging when there are other factors at play. Feelings of stress and anxiety can be overwhelming and prevent you from storing, processing, and recalling information you’ve learned. This can come from a lack of confidence or preparation. When reviewing for any form of evaluation, try to train your brain to see challenges differently.
 
Healthy habits are important too. Getting enough sleep, limiting your screen time, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and eating well are essential for the storage and retrieval of information in your brain.
 
It is also important to adapt your study habits to your attention span. It’s much harder to retain information if you aren’t focused. Remember to take breaks to keep you motivated. Try our Motivational Timer to plan your study sessions. Alloprof also has an entire section dedicated to helping you prepare for tests and exams.
 
Finally, if you ever feel stuck, visit our Help Zone where you can give and receive explanations for school-related questions. The Ask a Teacher feature is also a great tool. You can chat, text, or talk over the phone with a real teacher. Both of these resources will help you overcome hurdles and keep studying without slowing down.