26 Memorization Strategies

March 15, 2021

By: Indeed Editorial Team

Memorization is a skill that can be useful to people in a variety of situations, whether for work
or in their personal life. You can become better at memorizing information when you actively
engage in ways to make remembering information easier. Because people learn and retain
information differently, there are many strategies to fit a range of learning styles and
preferences. In this article, we discuss the benefits of developing a memorization strategy and
list 26 strategies you can use.

What are memorization strategies?

Memorization strategies are techniques for increasing your ability to memorize information.
There are a variety of ways that appeal to verbal, visual, spatial and auditory learners that you
can tailor to your preferences.

Benefits of using memorization strategies

Using a memorization strategy can make processing and retaining information easier. Many
people benefit from this skill, including students who are trying to learn new material,
employees who need to learn new concepts for their job and even people who want to excel
at their hobbies or want to learn a new language.

26 memorization strategies

Here are 26 memorization strategies you can try:

1. Write it out

Handwriting the information you need to memorize can increase your ability to remember
information because it activates a part of your brain that processes the input of information in
a detailed way. For some people, it can also help to re-write information more than once. If
you prefer to work on a computer, tablet or smartphone, there are apps available that allow
you to hand-write notes.

2. Re-read notes

Re-reading notes can help you hold on to the information you've already documented. An
important part of this strategy is to read your notes, which includes annotating them, rather
than simply reading or skimming over them. When you engage with the information by
highlighting, underlining or even taking additional notes, it can increase your comprehension
of the material and your ability to remember the information.
3. Make flashcards

Flashcards can be an effective study tool to help you learn and review a lot of information
quickly. With this strategy, it may be especially useful to create your own flashcards. A popular
way to use flashcards is by writing words and concepts or placing pictures on one side of the
card and including their definitions and explanations on the other side. Here are some tips on
using flashcards:

Go through your stack of cards repeatedly.

Frequently shuffle them as you study to eliminate a predictable order of information.

Create a game using the cards.

4. Visualize information

Visualizing information can increase your ability to memorize it because it can be easier to
recall images rather than blocks of information, especially difficult or abstract concepts. To
visualize information, create an image in your mind that relates to or that you associate with
the concept or information you're trying to remember.

5. Create memorable images

The images used to visualize concepts or ideas can increase how effectively you're able to
recall the information you've associated with them. For some, visualizing detailed and vivid
images that directly or closely correspond to the idea of a concept can be more helpful. For
others, visualizing exaggerated or funny images may help to recall the information quickly.

6. Recite out loud

Reading and reciting information out loud can be an efficient way to memorize material
because you are more likely to pay attention versus reading or reviewing information silently in
your head. This strategy is especially useful for people who are auditory learners because the
act of reading or reciting information aloud can form auditory links in memory pathways.
There are a few ways to implement this strategy, including:

Recite information aloud to yourself.

Record yourself reading and speaking out loud and listening to information.

Recite the information to a friend, family member or anyone who will listen.

7. Teach what you've learned

Teaching the information you've learned to someone else is a good indicator of how well you
memorized the material. This strategy doesn't entail developing elaborate lesson plans, but
explaining or even just mentioning what you've learned to others. This strategy can reveal gaps
in knowledge or understanding. If you're unable to confidently and clearly explain certain
concepts or ideas, it's a good idea to review and study those parts again.