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How could I develop a better memory for subjects like Biology and Spanish?
I'm presently in my freshman year of high school; I haven't studied much but have kept my grades in the 90s. Perhaps studying might improve my memory, but I am typically engaged in class and have excellent attendance. But mostly biology, I haven't been able to remember much material and vocabulary.
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Thirada’s Answer
Hi! It's great that you've been doing well so far! For memory tricks, there's actually a lot of psychology research on this. The previous answers already posted reference some of these tricks. I don't know all of them, but I will add on the ones that I like using most:
1. Focus on understanding/meaning, and connect the content you learn to other pieces of knowledge. This method works great for science and math. For example, connect something you learned in biology to something you learned in chemistry class or psychology class, to help you make sense of the concepts and remember them better. Biology and chemistry connection example: let's say you're learning about how cells make ATP by breaking down glucose. You use your chemistry knowledge to understand the combustion reaction, while using your biology knowledge to understand how the energy generated from the chemical reaction (in the form of ATP) is important for cellular function. As you take classes that are related to each other, you'll connect the concepts together and remember them better as a collective web of knowledge.
2. Exposure! For Spanish, find Spanish songs that you like. Try Youtube videos in Spanish that have English subtitles. Try Spanish drama? Cartoons? Anything that you might actually enjoy watching/listening to.
Personally, I don't have experience with learning Spanish, but I studied Japanese and Mandarin as a third and fourth language. Interestingly, learning Japanese at the same time as Mandarin made it easier to learn both languages because they share some similar vocabulary (though grammar is totally different). I get the feeling that you might be able to pick up Spanish faster if you're also learning another similar language at the same time, though I don't know if this actually works. It will also take more effort, since you're studying more. Just keep the idea in mind in case you're interested in other languages similar to Spanish (maybe Italian? French? I'm not sure). You might be able to use your Spanish knowledge to help learn a third language (or learning the third language could help you pick up Spanish faster if they share some vocab!).
1. Focus on understanding/meaning, and connect the content you learn to other pieces of knowledge. This method works great for science and math. For example, connect something you learned in biology to something you learned in chemistry class or psychology class, to help you make sense of the concepts and remember them better. Biology and chemistry connection example: let's say you're learning about how cells make ATP by breaking down glucose. You use your chemistry knowledge to understand the combustion reaction, while using your biology knowledge to understand how the energy generated from the chemical reaction (in the form of ATP) is important for cellular function. As you take classes that are related to each other, you'll connect the concepts together and remember them better as a collective web of knowledge.
2. Exposure! For Spanish, find Spanish songs that you like. Try Youtube videos in Spanish that have English subtitles. Try Spanish drama? Cartoons? Anything that you might actually enjoy watching/listening to.
Personally, I don't have experience with learning Spanish, but I studied Japanese and Mandarin as a third and fourth language. Interestingly, learning Japanese at the same time as Mandarin made it easier to learn both languages because they share some similar vocabulary (though grammar is totally different). I get the feeling that you might be able to pick up Spanish faster if you're also learning another similar language at the same time, though I don't know if this actually works. It will also take more effort, since you're studying more. Just keep the idea in mind in case you're interested in other languages similar to Spanish (maybe Italian? French? I'm not sure). You might be able to use your Spanish knowledge to help learn a third language (or learning the third language could help you pick up Spanish faster if they share some vocab!).
Yuritza G Nino de Daall
Quality Assurance / Process Improvement / Project Manager
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Yuritza G’s Answer
Hiiii!!! It's fantastic that you're taking the initiative to improve your memory and excel in your studies! First off, let's celebrate your accomplishments - maintaining grades in the 90s is no small feat, especially with minimal studying. Your engagement in class and excellent attendance are great foundations to build upon. Now, let's dive into enhancing your memory specifically for Biology and Spanish.
One effective strategy is to create a study routine that includes regular review sessions. Instead of studying right before exams, try to review your Biology and Spanish materials consistently throughout the week. This spaced repetition technique helps reinforce your memory over time. Additionally, make your study sessions active by summarizing key concepts in your own words or teaching them to someone else. This not only reinforces your understanding but also strengthens your memory retention.
Additionally, take advantage of various learning techniques that suit your preferred learning style. For example, if you're a visual learner, use diagrams, charts, or flashcards to illustrate complex biological processes or Spanish vocabulary. If you're an auditory learner, consider recording yourself reciting important terms or phrases and listen to them during your downtime. Remember, everyone's memory works differently, so experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you. With dedication and practice, you'll undoubtedly see improvements in your memory and mastery of Biology and Spanish!
Best of luck!!!
One effective strategy is to create a study routine that includes regular review sessions. Instead of studying right before exams, try to review your Biology and Spanish materials consistently throughout the week. This spaced repetition technique helps reinforce your memory over time. Additionally, make your study sessions active by summarizing key concepts in your own words or teaching them to someone else. This not only reinforces your understanding but also strengthens your memory retention.
Additionally, take advantage of various learning techniques that suit your preferred learning style. For example, if you're a visual learner, use diagrams, charts, or flashcards to illustrate complex biological processes or Spanish vocabulary. If you're an auditory learner, consider recording yourself reciting important terms or phrases and listen to them during your downtime. Remember, everyone's memory works differently, so experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you. With dedication and practice, you'll undoubtedly see improvements in your memory and mastery of Biology and Spanish!
Best of luck!!!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Mason
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hello Yuritza!
Congratulations on your dreams and aspirations! I'm thrilled to hear about your interest in languages, as they are my primary passion and strength. My approach to learning anything, particularly languages, is to immerse myself in it completely. This means, if you're keen on learning Spanish, try to surround yourself with Spanish-speaking friends. Accept dinner invitations to their homes, spend time with them, listen to Spanish music, read Spanish books, comics, and so forth. Most importantly, speak Spanish whenever possible. Our brains are incredibly powerful and can form connections in numerous ways when we engage with the language or subject we're trying to learn.
I hope you find this advice helpful. If not, please don't hesitate to let me know. I would be more than happy to share my personal experiences or stories that could assist you in your journey.
Wishing you a joyful journey!
Understand what you are lack of, more conversational, or pronunciation, or listening
Look for frineds who understand the subject or simply that be also inspired to follow the same path
Take every opportunity to talk about the subject or to speak the language, to put it in your mind at all moments
Feel it, hear it, eat it, speak it, see it, sorround yourself with that
Congratulations on your dreams and aspirations! I'm thrilled to hear about your interest in languages, as they are my primary passion and strength. My approach to learning anything, particularly languages, is to immerse myself in it completely. This means, if you're keen on learning Spanish, try to surround yourself with Spanish-speaking friends. Accept dinner invitations to their homes, spend time with them, listen to Spanish music, read Spanish books, comics, and so forth. Most importantly, speak Spanish whenever possible. Our brains are incredibly powerful and can form connections in numerous ways when we engage with the language or subject we're trying to learn.
I hope you find this advice helpful. If not, please don't hesitate to let me know. I would be more than happy to share my personal experiences or stories that could assist you in your journey.
Wishing you a joyful journey!
Elizabeth recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Elizabeth for the advice.
Mason