Some memorizing techniques

A few days ago, I saw this blog and clicked on it because the subject of improving memory interests me a lot. I think that's a cool article, so I decided to share other tricks chess players and lifelong learners might find useful. Every point comes from a book, Make it Stick. If you're interested, I can only encourage you to check it. I assume you read CheckRaiseMate's article, because I will not talk here about spaced retrievals. Consider this article as a jump to a broader view of ways to improve memory, I'm not a neurologist, nor psychologist and even less a good chess player.

Practice Retrieving New Learning from Memory

What does that mean? “Retrieval practice” means self-quizzing. Retrieving knowledge and skill from memory should become your primary study strategy in place of rereading.

The obvious example here is about key points in a text you have to memorize. Instead of rereading the text, prepare some questions during your first reading then during the next sessions you shall be answering those questions instead of reading again the text. Repeat the question until your answer matches what you wrote previously.

You can easily do the same for chess games. Just use Anki or something similar to pop up some game state along some questions as "What's the best next move and why?", "Regarding this state, what could have be played better?" and so on.

If at some point you're discouraged when applying this technique, because you shall see that your memory might not be as good as you thought, remember that the most important part is the process itself. Failing again and again means that you are learning. Keep going.

Interleave the Study of Different Problem Types

What does this mean? If you’re trying to learn mathematical formulas, study more than one type at a time, so that you are alternating between different problems that call for different solutions. If you are studying biology specimens, Dutch painters, or the principles of macroeconomics, mix up the examples.

Why not follow same type problem blocks during your study time? By interleaving, you train your capacity to quickly move from one type of problem to another one. You also train your brain to recognize more quickly different types of problem you face. Which is basically the pattern in a lot of games, tests, and tasks.

Elaboration

What is it? Elaboration is the process of finding additional layers of meaning in new material. For instance: Examples include relating the material to what you already know, explaining it to somebody else in your own words, or explaining how it relates to your life outside of class.

Add constantly new layers of your knowledge map, and plus your memory enhancing, you might also become more creative. Some part of the creativity is based on mixing elements. Like the spider, weave your web. So called mental palace are total elaborations. Remember folks, your brain will almost always remember better when things makes sense than when they don't.

Generation

What is it? Generation is an attempt to answer a question or solve a problem before being shown the answer or the solution.

Lots of you will consider this one obvious. I keep it because I see it in the same category than retrieving: it's the action itself of trying to memorize that will help you memorize. Writing a synthesis is one of the best way to study, the process itself is infinitely better than reading someone's else synthesis, even if their ones are more complete.

Reflection

What is it? It's a combination of retrieval practice and elaboration that adds layers to learning and strengthens skills. Reflection is the act of taking a few minutes to review what has been learned in a recent class or experience and asking yourself questions. What went well? What could have gone better? What other knowledge or experiences does it remind you of? What might you need to learn for better mastery, or what strategies might you use the next time to get better results?

Calibration

What is it? It's the act of getting constant feedback on your knowledge. Think about every moment you thought, or knew people around you got overconfident about something. Repeated calibrations can increase your chances not to be over or under confident. And remember: like often, it's the act itself of taking the time to answer questions that will help us remember it. A very useful redflag about it are those words spoken after checking an answer: "Oh yeah, that's it, I knew it". No, you didn't, or we cannot be sure anyway because you just look at this answer before answering.

Mnemonic devices

Very useful life hacks, it's actually a funny way to elaborate about something to memorize.