EFFECTIVE MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR LAW SCHOOL! (and where have I been??)
Summary
TLDRIn this video, Tina shares effective memorization techniques that helped her in law school and bar review. She emphasizes understanding concepts before memorizing, breaking down long paragraphs, using trigger words, highlighting general rules and exceptions distinctly, reading aloud, repeating, writing and reciting, using mnemonics, focusing on essential memorization, and self-testing with drawing lots.
Takeaways
- ๐ Understand before memorizing: Comprehension is crucial before attempting to memorize, as it leads to deeper retention and better long-term memory.
- ๐ Break down long paragraphs: Dividing complex legal provisions into smaller, manageable parts makes them less overwhelming and easier to understand.
- ๐ Create trigger words or key phrases: These act as memory aids to quickly recall specific provisions or concepts.
- ๐ Maintain a master list: A simple list of provision numbers and their corresponding trigger words or key phrases can be a powerful tool for quick recall and review.
- ๐ Use distinct markings for general rules and exceptions: This makes it easier to differentiate between the two when reviewing material, enhancing understanding and memorization.
- ๐ฃ Read aloud for better retention: Speaking the material out loud can improve memory, as it engages the auditory sense in addition to the visual.
- ๐ Repetition is key: Repeating the material multiple times is fundamental to memorization and retention.
- โ๏ธ Write and recite: Writing down and reciting the material helps to reinforce memory and test recall in various situations.
- ๐ง Use mnemonics: Pneumonics or mnemonic devices can aid in memorizing lists or sequences by creating associations that are easier to recall.
- ๐ซ Don't memorize unnecessary information: Focus on memorizing only what is essential, saving cognitive resources for the most important information.
- ๐ฒ Test your memory with the draw lots method: Randomly selecting provisions to recite can simulate the unpredictability of real-life recall situations and test your memory effectively.
Q & A
What is the main topic of Tina's video?
-The main topic of Tina's video is memorization techniques that she found helpful during law school and bar review.
Why did Tina take a break from her channel?
-Tina took a break from her channel due to the demanding nature of her work, which left her with limited time for other activities.
According to Tina, why is it important to understand the material before memorizing it?
-Understanding the material before memorizing it is important because it leads to better retention and comprehension, preventing the need for constant re-memorization.
What is the first memorization tip Tina suggests?
-Tina's first memorization tip is to understand what you are trying to memorize before attempting to memorize it.
How does Tina recommend breaking down long paragraphs for easier memorization?
-Tina suggests breaking down long paragraphs into shorter portions by using slash marks to separate different ideas within the text.
What is a 'trigger word' or 'key phrase' in the context of memorization?
-A 'trigger word' or 'key phrase' is a word or phrase that serves as a memory jog, helping to recall the provision or concept you are trying to memorize.
Why should you create a master list of provisions and their trigger words or key phrases?
-Creating a master list helps with quick recall and serves as a useful review tool for exams, providing a simple and organized reference.
What method does Tina recommend for distinguishing between the general rule and exceptions when memorizing?
-Tina recommends using a distinct color or symbol to mark the general rule and a different, distinct mark to highlight the exception.
Why is reading aloud beneficial for memorization according to scientific studies mentioned by Tina?
-Reading aloud is beneficial for memorization because it engages the auditory sense, increasing the likelihood of remembering the information.
What does Tina suggest for effective memorization when dealing with a large number of provisions?
-Tina suggests mastering one provision at a time before moving on to the next, to avoid confusion and ensure proper memorization.
How does Tina recommend testing your memorization after you have finished memorizing the material?
-Tina recommends using the 'draw lots' method, where you write down the numbers of provisions on pieces of paper, draw lots, and recite the corresponding provision.
What is Tina's advice on using mnemonics for memorization?
-Tina advises using mnemonics, such as taking the first letters of an enumeration or creating a story with them, to help retain and retrieve information more easily.
What should you do if you don't have to memorize something, according to Tina?
-Tina advises that if you don't have to memorize something, then you shouldn't, and to focus on understanding the material instead.
How can you make your learning more effective by combining different senses?
-By combining visual and auditory information, such as writing down and reciting what you're memorizing, you cover multiple senses and enhance the learning process.
Outlines
๐ Returning to Channel and Memorization Techniques
The speaker, Tina, returns to her channel after a month-long absence due to work commitments and expresses gratitude for the support received. She introduces the topic of memorization techniques that she found effective during law school and bar review, emphasizing their utility for students with limited time. Tina clarifies that she does not possess a photographic memory and hopes her tips will help others with average memory skills. She stresses the importance of understanding material before memorizing it for better long-term retention, contrary to the common practice of immediate memorization without comprehension.
๐ Breakdown and Visualization for Memorization
Tina suggests breaking down long paragraphs into shorter sections to make them less overwhelming and more understandable. She recommends using slash marks to visually divide complex legal provisions and creating trigger words or key phrases to aid memory recall. She advises writing these triggers down in a master list for quick reference and review, which can be beneficial during exams and recitations. Tina also discusses the use of distinct colors or symbols to differentiate between general rules and exceptions in memorization, enhancing the ability to identify and recall them effectively.
๐ Reading Aloud and Repetition for Enhanced Memory
The speaker highlights the benefits of reading aloud for memorization, supported by scientific studies showing improved memory retention. She recommends using earplugs to facilitate this method without disturbing others. Tina emphasizes the power of repetition, suggesting that reading the material multiple times is key to memory retention. She advises focusing on mastering one provision before moving on to the next to avoid confusion. Additionally, she promotes writing and reciting the memorized material as a method to reinforce learning and test recall in distracting environments, which is crucial for real-life application.
๐ง Mnemonics and Self-Testing for Memorization
Tina introduces the use of mnemonics, a learning technique that aids in information retention and retrieval, with a focus on creating acronyms from the first letters of items to be memorized. She provides an example of creating a memorable story from these acronyms to enhance recall. The speaker also advises against memorizing information that can be understood, reserving memorization for essential elements and enumerations. Lastly, she recommends self-testing through drawing lots, a method that simulates the unpredictability of real-life recitations and exams, and encourages revisiting the master list of triggers when forgetting occurs.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กMemorization Techniques
๐กComprehension
๐กTrigger Word
๐กMaster List
๐กGeneral Rule and Exception
๐กRepetition
๐กRecitation
๐กPneumonics
๐กSelf-Testing
๐กUnderstand vs. Memorize
Highlights
The importance of understanding material before memorization for better retention.
Memorization tips are applicable to various educational levels, especially beneficial for law students with limited time.
The presenter's personal experience with average memorization skills, making the tips relatable for many viewers.
Breaking down long paragraphs into shorter portions to make them less overwhelming and more understandable.
Creating trigger words or key phrases to aid in memorization and quick recall.
Listing trigger words or key phrases on a master list for efficient review and exam preparation.
Using distinct colors or symbols to differentiate between general rules and exceptions in memorization.
The benefit of reading aloud for enhancing memorization as supported by scientific studies.
The underrated use of earplugs to facilitate reading aloud in various environments without disturbing others.
The power of repetition in memorization and the recommendation to master one provision before moving to the next.
Writing and reciting as a method to lock in memorized information and test oneself in distracting environments.
Combining visual and auditory learning to enhance memory retention through writing and reciting.
Using mnemonics, such as acronyms, to help retain information more effectively.
Creating stories from mnemonics to make them more memorable, even if the stories are outrageous.
The advice against memorizing unnecessary information to conserve brain power for essential material.
Self-testing through drawing lots as an effective method to simulate the classroom environment and enhance recall.
The presenter's encouragement for viewers to apply these memorization techniques to improve their study habits.
Transcripts
it has been a while so what are my
memorization techniques
hi guys welcome back to my channel i'm
tina and it has been a while
i apologize for being gone for around a
month now but it's really just because
work has been
killing me yeah you will find it in
legal practice sometimes even if you
want to do it
all do well at your job exercise drink
enough water eat your vegetables
spend time with your family indulge in
your hobbies maintain a social life
sometimes it's just impossible to do it
all and that's totally fine
sometimes other things have to take a
backseat to what you have to prioritize
right now so yeah for the past month
what i really needed to prioritize was
work thank you to everyone who has been
leaving me such sweet messages and
comments i really really appreciate your
support thank you so much for
understanding
now i'm back yay so today i'm gonna be
sharing with you guys some memorization
tips which worked well for me in law
school and in bar review these
memorization tips work for anyone though
even if you're in college or in high
school but they're particularly helpful
if you're struggling law student with
super limited time on your hands
like i once was by the way personally i
am not gifted or good at memorization
there are just some people because who
have photographic memory you know
well i wasn't and i'm still not one of
them sana
so especially to you guys out there who
are just average at memory work like
i am i hope that these tips work as well
for you as they did for me
i've mentioned some of these tips before
in passing in some of my previous videos
but i will mention some of them again
here because i think it's important that
all my tips about memorization be
centralized into one video specifically
about memorization
so what are my memorization techniques
let's goes ago
my first tip is to understand first what
you are trying to memorize
this is incredibly important and
incredibly basic comprehension before
memorization always remember
if you try memorizing something without
having understood it first then you're
basically going to be trying to memorize
a jumble of words that you can't even
make heads or tails off it just won't
make sense
i know that as law students
so it may seem counterintuitive to spend
your precious minutes understanding
something before just memorizing it
straight away
but believe me if you blindly memorize
something without having properly
understood it first
then your retention is going to be
extremely shallow and superficial yeah
you may be able to recite what you
memorized the next day and time for
recitation but you won't have forgotten
it already in one week
because your retention will just be that
short term then you're going to have to
re-memorize it again during midterms
again during finals again during your
bar review subjects in fourth year
and again during bar review so if you
look at the big picture it's really such
a waste of your precious time
remembering things short term isn't
enough because it's important to retain
long term what you've memorized
short term retention will get you
through tomorrow's recite but it won't
get you through the bar exam
read first analyze first understand the
concept first
take the time that you need to absorb it
and once you've done that
memorize my next tip is to break up long
paragraphs into shorter portions
law students know that many prohibitions
of law have so many ideas jump back
into one provision and when you're
staring at those super long provisions
are lost then it just gets very
overwhelming
i've said before that you cannot consume
a huge block of ice if it's in the form
of a huge block of ice
but you cannot tune it if you break it
down into little itty-bitty bite-sized
pieces
so let's say that you're faced with a
very long paragraph when you're reading
the prohibition and
endness concept one then legend
agreement slash mark then you're reading
it again soprano
and again your concept two then again
slash mark
when you do that right away just by
putting a simple slash mark you
immediately see the break or the
division in ideas
you immediately make an intimidating
looking provision much friendlier and a
lot more understandable
my next tip is to create a trigger word
or a key phrase for the provision that
you're trying to memorize
a trigger word or key phrase is
something that will jog your memory just
by looking at it
it's an aha word or phrase
something that when you see you go aha
for example for article 19 of the civil
code the key phrase that i would use
is exercise of rights for article 20 it
would be willful or negligent damage
for article 21 it would be willful loss
or injury we all have different styles
or preferences for creating our trigger
words or our key phrases right
so i won't tell you how you should come
up with yours what i'm telling you is
that you should have them you should
definitely have trigger words or key
phrases for the provisions that you're
trying to commit to memory now once
you've identified your trigger words or
your key phrases for the provisions that
you're trying to memorize
then list them all down on a separate
piece of paper or on a separate document
in your ipad
in that list don't write anything except
for number one the provision number and
do your trigger word or your key phrase
this will be your master list of
provisions and trigger words or phrases
it should be very simple and looks
something like this that master list
is very useful for quick recall purposes
as in you glance at it and you know
parang true love is something that you
can use for recit when you're supposed
to recall what you memorized in a split
second
you can also use it as a reviewer for
your exams my next tip applies to when
you have to memorize the general rule
and the exception
use a distinct color or symbol to mark
the general rule
and then use only one distinct mark to
mark the exception so for example you're
reading your kodo right highlight the
general rule and for the exception
use a symbol the symbol that i used in
law school to mark exceptions was a
circle with an x inside
when you do this the general rule is
easily apparent
and so is the exception keep in mind
that you don't just study material once
rather you review your material again
for midterms again for finals again for
your bar review subjects in fourth year
and again during bar review
if you highlight the general rule and
the exception in the exact same way
general rule highlighter exception blue
highlighter button when you go back to
your material later it will be so hard
to identify which the general rule and
which the exception is
because everything just looks like one
big chunk of highlighted text
but if you mark the general rule a
certain way and you mark the exception a
different way
when you're memorizing interviewing you
will immediately see ah this is the
general rule
ah these are the exceptions to that
general rule
my next tip is to read aloud what you
are memorizing scientific studies
suggests that you are more likely to
remember something if you read it out
loud so as you're memorizing
mouth what you're memorizing to yourself
read the provision out loud to yourself
as you're memorizing it
just be considerate of the other people
around you who are trying to study too
so
vowel the thing that helped me do this
in law school and in bar review was
earplugs this is because when you wear
earplugs you can hear yourself even if
you murmur something to yourself
very very softly if you don't wear
earplugs then just to hear yourself over
the ambient noise in starbucks or in the
library then you're going to have to
raise your voice
that's annoying to the people around you
don't be that annoying law student
yeah earplugs are super underrated i got
mine at true value
my next tip is to repeat repeat repeat
beat beat
read the material that you're supposed
to memorize again and again over and
over and over it's been well established
that repetition is the key to memory so
read and repeat and
read and repeat do it as many times as
you have to and as much as your time
allows
founding your brain with the same
information again and again over and
over definitely helps with the retention
if audio codes work for you then you can
also use those
you can just play them over and over
while you're doing your other activities
like driving or exercising
also if you need to memorize a bunch of
provisions then i recommend
that you master first the one provision
that you're memorizing now
before moving on to the next one if
major hillary
young memorization mode of the current
provision then don't go on to memorize
the succeeding one yet
you'll just get confused promise so go
one by one
my next tip is to write and recite to
really lock in what you're memorizing it
greatly helps to number one
to write down what you're memorizing and
to recite to yourself what you're
memorizing you can write and recite as
you're memorizing or you can also do it
after to test yourself
to write literally all you have to do is
to get some scratch paper and to write
down what you're memorizing or what
you've memorized
yes scratch paper to look at it
just write down the provision as you're
memorizing it this technique helps
because it adds another layer to your
learning
which helps you ingrain even more what
you're studying to recite them on
pretend that you're reciting in front of
your professor and
simply recite the provision out loud
it's actually also useful to recite to
yourself when there are intentional
distractions around
because then you're really testing if
you can remember the provisions in an
uncomfortable environment for example
you can recite the provisions out loud
when you're making dinner
or driving when walking or when the tv
is on or
there's music playing in the background
when you're in comfortable environments
like for example when you're sitting
quietly at your desk or when you're
lying on your bed
it's so easy to remember what you
memorized but in reality you will not be
asked questions in comfortable
controlled environments
instead you will be asked questions
about what you memorized in
uncontrolled environments with so much
pressure namely in daily law school
recitation and in highly time pressured
exams
so when you're memorizing you have to
make sure that you can regurgitate
whatever it is you memorized no matter
what the situation
whether it's in your bedroom or in your
classroom test yourself in distracting
situations so that you can be sure that
you will remember what you memorized
in distracting situations writing and
reciting to yourself what you've
memorized actually ties in with my
earlier tip about repetition we've
already established that repetition is
great for attention right
when you write and recite to yourself
when you memorize you are actually
repeating to yourself what you're
learning
in verbal and in written format it's
just another form of repetition also
you're covering all basis of learning
because your learning is not just visual
but actually also auditory and as they
say the more senses you use while
learning
the more effective learning will be the
better you are at combining visual and
auditory information
the better you can remember what you've
learned my next tip is to use pneumonics
a mnemonic is basically any learning
technique that will help you retain or
retrieve information in the human memory
based on my experience taking the first
letters of an enumeration or the first
few letters
is really the most common demonic for
law students for example let's say that
you have to memorize this enumeration
law students usually make mnemonics by
taking the first letters of the
enumeration
so here it would be lcqaq you could also
rearrange it so that it's catchier so it
could be
clack if you find that random jumble of
letters difficult to memorize
you can also add in the next few letters
of the enumeration so here it would be
la co q q
to make it even catchier and easier to
remember you can even rearrange those
mnemonics to form something easier to
say
for example akola q2 you can even take
it a step further by creating a story
for your mnemonics
your story doesn't even have to make
sense in fact sometimes when the story
is so outrageous
that makes it even easier to remember
for example here your story could be
lazy condors actually quack quack it
sounds funny right
some people say that for better
attention you should make mnemonics
which are special to you
or which have some sort of meaning for
you for example young lazy condors
actually quack quack but honestly
what law student has time for that
time realistic so for me generic
pneumonics like clock
are enough to get the job done if you
don't want to make your own pneumonics a
great reviewer which already has
mnemonics is sun bedder red no it's also
known as memory eight the best
promise my next tip is that if you don't
have to memorize something
then don't your brain is finite your
brain can only take so much studying and
information and in law school it's just
so much information so when you're
studying you should use that brain power
only for what you need
when you have the chance to choose
between understanding something or
memorizing something
always choose to understand rather than
to memorize of course
there are some provisions which you will
have no choice but to memorize but what
i'm saying is that for those provisions
which you don't have to memorize
dance don't do it if understanding a
provision is enough
do not memorize it anymore memorize only
what cannot be simply understood
for example the most common things which
a law student cannot just understand but
actually has to memorize
are elements and enumerations under the
law obviously there's just no way around
that one you really will have to
memorize
but otherwise don't my next tip is to
test yourself by drawing lots
this step applies when you already
finished memorizing what you had to
memorize
you can't memorize in a vacuum you have
to self-test your recall in different
ways this is the point wherein you'll
want to test your recall to do this use
the draw lots method on pieces of paper
write down the numbers of all the
different provisions which you memorized
then fold up those pieces of paper draw
lots and recite
away never mind if you look crazy
drawing lots with yourself
okay drawing lots is an effective
self-training method for memorization
because by adding the element of
surprise
it replicates the classroom environment
wherein you have no idea what your prof
will ask you to recite and if you're
drawing lots and reciting and you forget
something
then you can always go back to your
master list of trigger words and key
phrases which you earlier made
so yeah guys that's it those are all my
tips for memorization
if you already have an excellent memory
then good for you
you are ready it counts but if you have
just
average memory skills like the rest of
us myself included
then i hope that these tips will be
useful to you in some way if you like
this video then please give it a thumbs
up
please also don't forget to subscribe to
my channel and to hit the notification
bell below so that you guys are informed
of my future videos
thank you so much for watching stay safe
and see you in my next video
bye so it may seem counterintuit
so it may seem
it's five o'clock
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