1. When information is first
acquired, it is tagged for its potential importance or value.
2. Such tagging is influenced
by multiple factors such as attention, old memories, emotion, repetition, and purpose.
3. Images are easier to
remember than words. The most powerful mnemonic systems are based on
representing ideas and facts as images.
4. Memories with impact get preferentially
rehearsed, either through conscious will or by covert (implicit) brain
processes.
5. Rehearsal should occur with
true self-testing, repeated often, and spaced over time.
6. The recall during
self-testing launches a new round of consolidation that can strengthen the
original learning. Each re-consolidation episode builds on prior ones and
strengthens the neural circuits that store the memory.
7. Sleep promotes consolidation
of recent learning.
8. Effectiveness of recall
during rehearsal is promoted by use of relevant cues, especially information
that was associated with the original learning material.
Applying these principles
is the theme of my book, Memory Power
101.
