Learning can also be learned! Here are 6 simple ways to boost your memory according to a neuropsychologist

Being a lifelong learner is a motivating life project, whether you are a student, active or retired. But how to learn effectively and how to strengthen your memory? Mathieu Hainselin, neuropsychologist, shares 6 tips for getting back into the habit of learning on a daily basis. And it’s not that complicated!

To learn, you have to take the time

Remember, learning is more solid when seen over the long term, and not just before an exam for example. This is called the “spacing” technique. “By spreading the same number of hours of learning over a longer period, rather than concentrating everything in a few days, we retain more information and for a longer period of time. By spacing out learning sessions, we strengthen memory, making revisions less laborious and more effective in the long term. indicates Mathieu Hainselin.

Test yourself regularly, the key to lasting memory

Testing yourself frequently is an essential method for strengthening memory. Using tools like memory cards or flashcards stimulates what we call active recovery, so don’t hesitate to use them! “The more we practice finding information, the more it becomes permanently anchored in our mind. By getting used to this routine, the day of the exam becomes less stressful, because the recovery process is already well established.”

Learning in a group, a fun and motivating learning method

Working in a group also makes learning more enjoyable and strengthens motivation because it introduces a positive social dynamic. “For example, organizing quizzes allows you to combine learning and fun, while benefiting from the support of others”. This interaction reduces stress because it takes place in a more relaxed and friendly setting and encourages regularity: when one member of the group is motivated, he or she leads the others.

The blank page technique, an inventory of knowledge

The blank page technique consists of disconnecting from all visual or written support and writing down everything you remember on a specific subject. This exercise allows you to make a clear assessment of your knowledge. By writing without references, we can easily identify well-mastered concepts, which are easy to find, as well as weaker points, which require additional work.

Multimodal learning to engage the senses

To improve memorization, don’t hesitate to use several sensory channels simultaneously: listening, reading, writing, discussing or moving. “The more varied the paths to accessing information, the more lastingly it becomes anchored.” underlines the expert. Additionally, some people retain information better when they associate learning with physical movements. It’s not a problem! “The more different paths we have, the richer and more complex the memory network. So, even if a path is obstructed by fatiguestress or otherwise, there remain other avenues to explore.”

Creativity as an ally of learning

Finally, a good way to learn better is to add creativity to your project. “Learning coupled with invented stories, scenarios or mental images, makes the learning process more fun, personal and effective. Mnemonics are particularly effective for memorizing complex information in a fun way. Whether it’s creating songs, acronyms or telling stories, these techniques stimulate creativity and help to anchor concepts in the long term.

“We associate elements with mental images or original stories to remember them more easily…” The expert gives the playful and comical example of finding a sentence to remember the names of the planets of the solar system by creating a sentence from the initial of each planet: Mélanie Vous Tombez Mal Je Suis Un Navet Pourri? (Mercury – Venus – Earth – Mars – Jupiter – Saturn – Uranus – Neptune and Plato). “This sentence, which nevertheless makes no sense, creates an effect of distinctiveness and thus facilitates memorization and retrieval of information.

It’s up to you to invent the phrases that will stick in your head!

Slide: 10 essentials to boost your memory