How to Study Once and Remember Forever

Summary

This video offers strategies to enhance long-term memory retention for students and learners. The presenter, Abom, emphasizes the importance of understanding over rote memorization and introduces evidence-based study techniques such as active recall, mind mapping, and the Feynman technique of teaching to solidify knowledge. The video also highlights the significance of an ideal study environment free from distractions to improve focus and learning efficiency. By applying these methods, viewers can expect to remember information not just for exams, but for years to come.

Takeaways

• 📚 Aim to understand the material rather than just memorizing it for exams, as understanding helps in long-term retention.
• 🔍 Adopt deep processing by asking questions that relate new information to what you already know, which aids in comprehension and recall.
• 🔑 Look for key points in the material to focus on, as these are easier to remember and recall later.
• 🌐 Connect new information to prior knowledge through a process called elaboration, which strengthens neural connections in the brain.
• 💡 Apply theoretical knowledge practically in your environment to reinforce learning and make the information stick.
• 📝 Use active recall techniques to test your memory actively, which provides feedback on what you know and what needs review.
• 🗺️ Utilize mind mapping to visualize and structure information, aiding in better understanding and memory retention.
• 👨‍🏫 Practice the 'definement technique' by teaching what you've learned to others, which solidifies your understanding and recall.
• 🚫 Avoid passive reading by not relying solely on re-reading the material; engage with the content actively to enhance memory.
• 🏠 Create an ideal study environment free from distractions to maximize focus and learning efficiency.
• 🔗 Recognize the importance of the study environment in retaining information, as distractions can hinder the learning process.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script?

The main issue discussed is the common problem of forgetting information soon after studying for an exam, and the video aims to teach techniques to study effectively and remember information for a long time.

What does the speaker claim about the techniques shared in the video?

The speaker claims that the techniques shared will help viewers to study once and remember the information for months or even years, and have been personally beneficial to the speaker since their secondary and university education.

What is the first technique suggested to improve long-term memory of studied material?

The first technique suggested is to aim for understanding the material instead of just memorizing it, which helps in making connections with what is already known and makes recall easier.

What does the speaker mean by 'deep processing'?

Deep processing refers to actively engaging with the material by asking oneself questions that help in understanding and connecting the new information with what is already known, rather than just memorizing the content.

Why is it important to focus on key points when trying to understand written material?

Focusing on key points makes it easier to remember the material because it allows for the essential information to be more readily recalled, rather than trying to memorize every detail.

What is 'elaboration' in the context of learning?

Elaboration is the process of connecting new information with what one has previously learned, which helps in understanding and remembering the new material more effectively.

How does the act of teaching serve as a powerful study technique?

Teaching serves as a powerful study technique because it involves active recall, provides feedback on one's understanding, and reinforces the synaptic connections in the brain, leading to better retention of information.

What is the purpose of applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios?

Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios helps to solidify the information in one's mind, making it easier to remember and less likely to be forgotten over time.

What is the 'active recall' technique and why is it effective?

Active recall involves reading material once and then trying to recall what was read without looking at the book. It is effective because it strengthens synaptic connections in the brain and provides feedback on one's understanding, leading to better retention.

What is 'mind mapping' and how does it aid in the learning process?

Mind mapping is a visualization technique where one pictures the information in their brain after taking notes. It aids in the learning process by reinforcing the material and making it easier to recall.

Why is the study environment important for effective learning and memory retention?

The study environment is important because distractions can interrupt the encoding of information into the brain. A focused environment without distractions allows for better attention and understanding, leading to improved memory retention.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Mastering Long-Term Memory Retention

The video script addresses the common issue of forgetting information soon after learning it. The speaker, Abom, introduces techniques to study effectively and retain information long-term. The focus is on understanding rather than rote memorization, adopting evidence-based study techniques, and maintaining an ideal study environment. The script emphasizes the importance of deep processing, connecting new information with prior knowledge, and the role of synaptic connections in the brain for better retention. Abom shares personal experiences and invites viewers to subscribe to his channel for more learning strategies.

05:01

🔍 Enhancing Comprehension and Recall Through Active Learning

This paragraph delves into the importance of active learning for better understanding and memory retention. It discusses the concept of elaboration, where new information is connected with existing knowledge, and the role of synaptic connections in the brain. The speaker advises against passive reading and instead promotes active recall and the application of knowledge in real-life scenarios. Various study techniques such as active recall, mind mapping, and the Feynman technique (teaching what you've learned) are introduced as effective methods for long-term memory retention. The paragraph also touches on the pitfalls of passive learning and the benefits of receiving feedback through active engagement with the material.

10:02

🌟 Optimal Study Techniques and Environment for Memorization

The final paragraph of the script highlights the significance of using optimal study techniques like active recall, mind mapping, and the definition technique, which involves teaching the material to solidify understanding and memory. The speaker also emphasizes the impact of the study environment on the ability to concentrate and learn effectively, pointing out that distractions can hinder the learning process. The paragraph concludes with a reminder of the long-term benefits of the discussed techniques and an encouragement to like and subscribe for more educational content.

Keywords

💡Forgetting

Forgetting refers to the inability to recall information after learning it, which is a common issue addressed in the video. The script discusses how individuals often forget what they've studied immediately after an exam. This concept is central to the video's theme of improving memory retention through effective study techniques.

💡Study Techniques

Study techniques are methods used to learn and retain information more effectively. The video emphasizes the importance of adopting evidence-based study techniques such as active recall, mind mapping, and the Feynman technique (teaching) to ensure long-term retention of learned material.

💡Understand vs. Memorize

Understanding versus memorizing is a key distinction made in the script. Understanding involves grasping the meaning and context of information, which helps in long-term retention, as opposed to merely memorizing facts without comprehension. The video suggests that deep processing and asking oneself questions can lead to better understanding.

💡Deep Processing

Deep processing is a cognitive strategy that involves actively engaging with the material to be learned, asking questions, and making connections. The script mentions deep processing as a way to enhance understanding and facilitate the creation of stronger neural connections, which aids in long-term memory retention.

💡Elaboration

Elaboration is a learning strategy where new information is connected to existing knowledge. The script describes elaboration as a method to make learning more meaningful and easier to recall by linking new concepts to what one already knows, thus strengthening memory retention.

💡Synaptic Connections

Synaptic connections are the neural pathways in the brain that facilitate the transmission of information. The video explains that learning creates new synaptic connections and that reinforcing these connections through active learning and recall helps in retaining information.

💡Active Recall

Active recall is a study technique where learners actively attempt to remember information without looking at the material. The script promotes active recall as an effective method to strengthen memory by forcing the brain to retrieve information, thus solidifying the learning.

💡Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a visual study technique that involves organizing information in a diagrammatic format. The video suggests using mind mapping to help visualize and structure the learned material, which can enhance understanding and recall.

💡Feynman Technique

The Feynman technique, also known as the teaching method, is a learning strategy where one explains a concept to another person or to oneself as if teaching. The script highlights this technique as a powerful way to consolidate understanding and memory by actively engaging with the material.

💡Study Environment

Study environment refers to the physical and mental conditions in which learning takes place. The video emphasizes the importance of having an ideal study environment free from distractions to improve focus and learning efficiency.

Highlights

The video aims to teach how to study once and remember information permanently.

The speaker shares personal techniques that have helped retain information from secondary school to university.

Understanding concepts rather than memorizing is key to long-term retention.

Adopting deep processing and asking oneself questions can enhance understanding and recall.

Identifying key points in the text makes it easier to remember and recall information.

Elaboration helps connect new information with existing knowledge, aiding in understanding and memory.

The importance of synaptic connections in the brain for learning and memory retention.

Foundational knowledge is essential to avoid gaps that lead to memorization instead of understanding.

Applying theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios helps in remembering information.

Active recall is a more effective study technique than passive re-reading.

Mind mapping as a visualization tool can enhance memory and understanding.

The definement technique, or teaching what you've learned, reinforces memory retention.

Active learning provides feedback, unlike passive learning which can create an illusion of knowing.

The act of teaching can serve as a form of active recall and feedback on one's understanding.

The impact of study environment on concentration and memory, emphasizing the need for minimal distractions.

The video concludes by asserting that the discussed methods will help retain information for months or even years.

Transcripts

you tried learning something once and

you forget immediately you studied for a

particular exam you wrote that exam

perfectly well but immediately you left

that exam you actually forgot everything

you learned at that point each time you

study it won take long before you

actually forget now this is a major

problem and on this video I'm going to

be teaching you how you can actually

study once and remember forever there

are ways in which you can study once and

go for your exam and do perfectly and

you will still be able to remember the

information you learned few months ago

even for years this techniques that I'm

about to share with you will help you do

that this technique has actually helped

me to be able to retain principles

formulas and techniques I learned since

when I was in secondary and University

if you actually go through this process

step by step you won't only remember for

a few weeks but this information will be

retained in your brain and you be able

to recall at any point in time you need

it I am abom me and right here on this

channel I provide tips and strategies

that can help you learn better as a

student or any other person who is

trying to learn something perfectly and

also additional tips that can help you

be on the right track as a student and

if that sounds like something you

interested in please consider

subscribing to my Channel right now

there are some techniques that you've

used to retain information even if you

remembered while in your exam or after

finishing that exam you just discovered

that everything has gone away and you

seem not to remember any of these things

now there are certain mistakes that you

made while you are studying and that's

mistake that you made and the technique

of reading that you actually adopt we

actually serve you well for that

particular exam alone but after a few

while when you asked question about that

particular you just left some minutes

ago or some months ago you actually

forgot there are things that you need to

take into consideration and I'll be

sharing that with you on this video and

I'll be taking it step by step now one

thing is that you should always aim to

understand instead of memorizing and the

second thing that you should adopt

evidence-based study technique which

I'll be sharing with you on this video

and the third thing is that you should

actually have an ideal study environment

don't forget to also subscribe to the

channel as you go on in learning

everything that I'll be sharing with you

now aim to understand instead of

memorizing now a lot of people make this

mistake while learning because

understanding is is one of the things

that can help you hold a lot of

information in your brain for a very

long time understanding will actually

help you connect to what you already

know before and make what you learning

have more meaning to you and anytime you

want to recall it's very easy for you to

recall and remember because you actually

link it to what you what you've already

known before now one thing I I would

advise you to do if you really want to

understand over memorizing is to adopt

deep processing now when you are

learning there are certain questions you

should always ask yourself because these

questions will actually help you

understand more and you won't need to

memorize and in fact you'll be able to

recall at any point in time whenever you

need that information even after some

years and when you are learning

something should at least ask yourself

that how does what I'm learning at this

point actually relate to what I have

known before how can I actually connect

what I'm learning now to anything that

I've known in my environment if you can

answer that particular question and

provide answers to that you actually be

able to understand what you are learning

without actually memorizing it word for

word now there are certain things that

you need to know when you're

understanding when you're trying to

understand any written text or anything

you are reading you should always look

for key points if you understand the key

points in whatever text you are learning

it's it will be very easy for you to

remember any time you want to recall now

think for example you want to understand

the meaning of demand now if you want to

remember that definition of demand you

might you might be given that definition

in your textbook and a lot of students

will always want to memorize that

definition and put it down the way it is

but now there a way you can actually

study that and be able to remember

forever now if you actually know what

demand is practically and you've

actually asked yourself these questions

that okay demand is is is just a way of

you asking a favor from someone or or

asking something from someone in return

for a particular thing if you actually

picture that particular scenario in your

brain and why read that particular

definition it makes more meaning to you

and you'll be able to understand well

and in fact it will be very easy for you

to remember anytime all you have to do

is to convert your thoughts into a well

structured word for you to be able to

put it down in a good way that people

will be able to understand another thing

that we advise you to do is to is to

always connect what you are learning now

to what you've learned before I've said

it earlier and it is called elaboration

if you can always elaborate what you are

learning and actually connect it to what

you already know before it will be very

easy for you to understand and now the

way your brain is structured in your for

brain we have different synapses and all

these synapses actually represents

everything you've learned all the

experience you've had before now in any

at any time you learn something you make

new synaptic connections anything you

want to learn now we always depend on

the existing synaptic Connection in your

brain those existing synaptic Connection

in your brain represents the

foundational knowledge of what you are

learning or the existing knowledge of

what you've already know known before so

that is why it is important that

anything you want to learn you should

always know the foundation because if

you don't know the foundation if there's

a knowledge Gap you you not be able to

understand very well and you end up

memorizing whatever you want to learn so

the only method you can actually connect

to what you already know before is to is

to depend on the existing synaptic

connection that is the existing

knowledge you have in your brain and try

to connect what you are learning now to

the to the previous thing that you know

before if you can do that vividly then

you be it will be very easy for you to

understand and you'll be able to put it

down in your own words because you

always refer back to what you already

know before and you add a little bit of

new knowledge that you've learned and

that is one of the major thing that you

can do in order to understand very well

so understanding can actually make you

retain a lot of things and you'll be

able to remember at any point in time at

any day at any time even after years

applying whatever you're learning can be

a great way to actually study once and

remember forever now once you study

something you are left with a

theoretical knowledge now one thing that

can make it stick to you and you have to

revisit what you are learning over and

over again is to look for things around

you things in your environment and apply

that knowledge to those things if you

can apply it quite well then the

knowledge has stayed with you and you

won't have to to actually study it over

and over again although there are some

things that you you don't always need to

apply but anything that you feel that

you can apply practically is a very

great way you can

actually remember and that memory will

stick with you for a long time another

way to go about it in order for you to

study once and be able to remember

forever is to adopt effective study

techniques and I'll be sharing with you

each of these study techniques as we go

on we have active call we have

definement Technique we have generation

and we have mind mapping there's one

major mistakes students make while they

are trying to read something and because

you want to keep that thing in your mind

you keep revisiting your book over and

over again that is a very wrong way of

learning and that can actually help you

not even retain enough information

because you always think you know it

creates an illusion of knowing now why

can't you do it this way why can't you

actually study once and actually try to

recall what you read without actually

holding in book this can strengthen the

synaptic Connection in your brain and

you'll be able to remember at any point

in time the effort it took you to be

able to force that thing out of your

brain when you don't have access to the

information it solidifies the

information and you be able to remember

at any point in time but if you keep

reading your book over and over again

without without actually doing what I

said earlier then you are engaging in

passive learning and there's a very low

tendency that you'll be able to you will

not remember anything because there's no

there's there's no form of feedback now

when you are actively recording there's

what we call feedback and that is that

is where you know whether you actually

know what you read or not now when you

read something once and you try to

recall what you've read and you discover

that you cannot recall perfectly it is

it will make sense for you to go back

and read it again you've already had a

feedback that you don't know it but when

you are only reading your book alone

without actually asking yourself

questions on the way you don't have any

form of feedback you don't know whether

you know or not because you've been

familiar with the words and you've been

reading it alone it's it creates an

illusion that you already know it and

when you get to the exam or you trying

to recall because you didn't

practice while you are actually studying

you discover that those things are not

there or you missed out some specific

information but if you act if you adopt

the active recall you'll be able to

remember vividly and you will not forget

anything you you are learning at any

point in time now another thing you can

do is mind mapping now mind mapping is

is just a way

of you reading a particular thing

and you can use the act of visualization

you have you have your notes that you've

taken and you actually try to picture

what that thing is in your brain if you

are getting value from this video don't

forget to subscribe to the channel and

also like the video another study

technique that can make you study once

and remember forever is and this is a

very powerful technique that actually

used myself and I'll keep using and it

has actually helped me to remember a lot

of things now it is called definement

technique and it is the art of teaching

now the act of teaching is very powerful

it serves as you there are so many

things that is embedded because you'll

be able to actively recall you'll be

able to it as a form of feedback and

also you'll be able to practice mind

mapping while you reading while you are

studying and also when you are repeating

that word to yourself all the time it's

actually reinforces that thing and it

solidifies the synaptic Connections in

your brain it is not until when you see

someone before you can teach you can

turn on your camera and try to explain

what you read to the camera that is a

very good form of actually knowing what

you learned or not if you keep doing

that all the time you won't need to

actually study all the time because

you've actually you've thought and

you've thought someone or you've made

the video or you've done a lot of things

and you'll be able to remember vividly

one major thing that students don't know

that actually hinders their ability to

be able to recall and remember anything

the study is your environment now this

actually has to do with distractions and

anything around your environment that

might not help you pay attention to what

you are reading attention is a very

important thing when you are trying to

learn you have different senses you have

your sense of hearing your sense of

sight your sense of smell these senses

receives information into the brain one

major sense that you need while studying

is your sense of sight and your sense of

hearing now when you are reading

something and take for example you are

reading and there are noises around

there's an interruption because in as

much as what you are you are receiving

information from what you are reading if

there's an interruption around this

that's interrupted the information

you're trying to encode into your brain

and there will be a mixture and in fact

you not be able to grab anything you

read at that particular time in in a

complete form but in a situation whereby

you don't have any distractions around

and all your senses is focused on what

you are reading at that point in time

there won't be any Interruption and

you'll be able to grasp what you are

reading faster I assure you that after

taking you through all this method you

won't only remember for your exams alone

but that information will stay in your

brain for months even years now so if

you got value from this video please

like the video and also subscribe to the

channel thank you so much for watching

and see you on the next one