How to triple your memory by using this trick | Ricardo Lieuw On | TEDxHaarlem

Summary

The speaker introduces an interactive memory test to highlight the importance of memorization skills in a digital age where information is readily accessible. Through a vivid storytelling technique, they demonstrate how associating images with memory can enhance recall. The speaker shares their personal journey of learning and the power of experimentation in improving learning efficiency. They advocate for teaching the art of learning in schools and encourage continuous self-improvement through a three-step process: checking, experiencing, and experimenting.

Takeaways

• 📝 The importance of memorization skills in the past and questioning their relevance in today's technology-driven world.
• 🏫 The speaker's personal story of struggling with traditional learning methods and eventually finding a passion for psychology and learning.
• 🔍 The discovery of effective learning techniques such as visualization and association that can drastically reduce study time and increase retention.
• 🎓 The impact of learning how to learn on the speaker's academic success and their role in an honors program and obtaining a degree.
• 💡 The concept of 'experimentation' as a key to improving skills and the idea that anyone can get better at anything through practice and trying new methods.
• 🌟 The role of the company Remind in teaching the science and art of learning, and the organization of the Dutch National Memory Championships.
• 🧠 The use of creative visualization to memorize the past 10 presidents of the United States in order, demonstrating a novel memorization technique.
• 🤔 The reflection on the memorization process and the encouragement to consider if there are better ways to memorize effectively.
• 🎨 The idea that making memorization fun and engaging through bizarre images can significantly improve the learning experience.
• 🚀 The three-step process of experimentation as a method for learning and self-improvement: the check, the experience, and the experiment.
• 🌱 The message that learning is a lifelong process and that the ability to learn and adapt is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the initial memory test described in the script?

The initial memory test serves to assess the audience's current memorization techniques and to highlight the potential need for improvement in this skill.

Why does the speaker believe that memorization skills are still important in the digital age?

The speaker argues that while technology allows us to capture information easily, the skill of memorization is still valuable as it can enhance the ability to experiment and improve in various aspects of life.

What personal experience does the speaker share about their struggle with traditional learning?

The speaker shares that they flunked a grade twice in high school and felt that traditional learning methods were not suitable for them, leading to a period of working as a bagger in California.

How did the speaker's perspective on learning change after their time in California?

The speaker discovered that they did not hate learning but rather the specific way it was taught in school. This realization prompted them to study psychology and explore different learning methods.

What is the significance of the 'Dutch National Memory Championships' mentioned in the script?

The 'Dutch National Memory Championships' is an event organized by Remind to demonstrate that everyone has the potential for remarkable memory feats and to emphasize the broader importance of memorization beyond language learning.

What technique does the speaker use to help the audience memorize the past 10 presidents of the United States?

The speaker uses a visualization technique, associating each president with a bizarre image and a body part, making the memorization process more engaging and effective.

What is the main message the speaker wants to convey about the process of learning?

The speaker emphasizes that learning is a skill that can be improved through experimentation, and that anyone can become better at anything by being open to new methods and applying them.

What are the three steps of the experimentation process as outlined by the speaker?

The three steps are the check (becoming aware of current methods), the experience (exploring and trying new methods), and the experiment (applying the new method in one's life to see its effectiveness).

How does the speaker suggest individuals can apply the lessons from the talk in their own lives?

The speaker encourages individuals to conduct their own experiments, write them down on a card, and keep it as a reminder to apply new learning methods in their daily lives.

What is the role of the company Remind in the context of this talk?

Remind is the company where the speaker works, focusing on teaching the science and art of learning, and promoting the idea that anyone can improve their learning abilities through experimentation.

Why does the speaker believe that the skill of learning should be taught in schools?

The speaker believes that teaching the skill of learning in schools would empower students to understand that they can improve at any skill, including the process of learning itself, which is a valuable asset in various aspects of life.