As you learn and your knowledge improves the challenge should match your proficiency to keep you motivated. Tip number one is to learn how to learn and is really about preparation. No one ever really teaches you how to learn effectively and depending on what you are learning there may be many different techniques and options available. For example if you are learning a language you will want to follow the most effective programme possible.

The next time you have a key item you need to remember, try making a memorable visual image to represent that item. Images are important because they connect directly to your brain’s visuospatial centers. Images help you remember difficult concepts by tapping into visual areas.

Unfortunately, new skills cannot magically appear without hard work. While you may think it’s best to study for as many hours as possible, this can actually be counterproductive. If you do my homework were training for a marathon, you wouldn’t try and run 24 hours a day. Likewise, studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks really helps.

Competitive memorizers claim that practicing visualization techniques and using memory tricks enable them to remember large chunks of information quickly. Research shows that students who use memory tricks perform better than those who do not. Memory tricks help you expand your working memory and access long term memory. These techniques can also enable you to remember some concepts for years or even for life. Finally, memory tricks like these lead to understanding and higher order thinking.

Doing the exact same thing every day can make your brain fall into a routine. Instead, speed up your study session or add a slight variation, such as playing a learning game or upping the difficulty, so it challenges you in a different way. Since you have to adapt to the new situation, it ingrains the information faster. Hearing yourself repeat the information helps you remember it easier. Read aloud if you’re studying from a book, website, or your notes.

This might involve a mix of tutoring, using digital tools like Duolingo and even visiting the native country of the language you are learning. You will also want to know how hard the language is to learn and the time commitment and regularity of practise required to become fluent to manage your expectations and your time. There are a number of different things that you can do to improve your memory. They only blur your understanding of the progress you’re making and convince you that your dreams of speaking English well are impossible. For example, if you’re preparing for exams in math, history, physics, and chemistry, it’s better to study a bit of each subject every day.