There are little tricks you can use to retain and recall tough information.
- Repetition, repetition, repetition: the more you go back over something the better you’ll remember it.
- Write things out: this helps you get your head around it.
- Read things out to yourself: the more you say it the better.
- Learn key words and phrases: if you have these you can build around them.
- Use acronyms: take the first letter of a set of words you need to learn and form a word with them. This will help you recall the words later.
- Use acrostics: the same as acronyms, only this time make up a silly sentence with the first letters. Once you have the first letter you will remember the full word.
- Use rhyme: rhyme complicated sentences and you’ll never forget them.
- Use pictures: draw little pictures around words or put steps to learn into a picture. Close your eyes and you will see the picture and the words inside.
- Use visualisation: Visualise yourself doing the thing you are trying to remember.
- Use stories: put what you need to learn into a story.
- Use flash cards: a question on one side and the answer on the other can be a great help.
For more study tips, read Shortcuts to Success: Study and Exam Skills for Leaving Certificate by Irene Togher.