Memorizing a Textbook.

By Alex in World Records on Jul 2, 2007 at 12:32 pm

In college, John Place developed a memory technique that helped him memorize 70 full pages (23,000 words) of his psychology textbook! Here’s how:

Below is the simpler version of my system, developed to help my pupils pass history, psychology, and other information-heavy tests.

1. First, use a pencil or word processor (I prefer the latter because it’s faster) to type, in complete sentences, any fact you think might appear on the test. Use short sentences because they’re easier to remember.
2. Take your printed notes into a quiet room, shut the door, and eliminate all distractions.
3. Look at the first sentence in your notes and read it out loud. Then, close your eyes and say the sentence without looking at it.
4. Repeat the step above, this time with the first 2 sentences.
5. Next, try it with 3 sentences. Then 4. Repeat until you have memorized every sentence in your notes.

Read the full instruction at John’s blog: LinkThanks … er, who sent this one in again? Oh, yeah – Thanks Fayyaad!


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  1. L.B. Jeffries
    Jul 2nd, 2007 at 12:56 pm

    Sounds like memorizing lines for a play or something.

  2. SenorMysterioso
    Jul 2nd, 2007 at 1:39 pm

    makes sense, I’ve used a similar technique to memorize sheet music

  3. Paul
    Jul 2nd, 2007 at 1:57 pm

    I’ve done something similar to learn the names of a large group. The first person says their name and a fact about them, then each successive person repeats what’s gone so far plus their own name/fact:

    “My name’s Dave and I like gerbils.”
    “His name’s Dave and he likes gerbils. My name’s Tara and I wear hats.”
    “His name’s Dave and he likes gerbils. Her name’s Tara and she wears hats. My name’s Tony and I self-flagellate”

    and so on.

  4. Gaby
    Jul 2nd, 2007 at 8:00 pm

    In my college this is a technique encouraged to memorize people in our classes. We’re a small college I suppose :D


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