Does Repetition Improve Memorization?

Information you learn through repetition goes into short-term memory and is easily forgotten unless it's transferred to long-term memory. Fortunately, there are ways you can use repetition to anchor new material in long-term memory, where it will prove more useful.

Pay Attention

• When memorizing information, minimize distractions and avoid multitasking. Since memorization and multitasking use different areas of the brain, doing them simultaneously creates problems. Repetition doesn't help memorization unless your mind is engaged with the new material.

Be Patient

• Information isn't transferred instantaneously from short-term to long-term memory. It takes time. Multiple reviews over several days or weeks helps move new material to your long-term memory.

Make Connections

• Build on what you already know. If you are memorizing a famous speech, refresh yourself on its historical context, then read the speech again. If you review new information with the goal of understanding it from multiple angles, you will build on your foundation of prior knowledge and learn the material not only more quickly, but more thoroughly.

Shake Things Up

• Repetition doesn't have to be dull. Take notes. Read them to yourself, then read them out loud. Sing them. Draw a diagram. Have a dialogue about your notes with someone else. Create flash cards. Using multiple techniques makes memorization easier and more fun, and enthusiasm enhances learning.