I was wondering if it were possible to learn the method of loci well enough in a short amount of time (say 5-7 days) to where I can memorise and recall the major concepts of an exam syllabus (engineering related) as a framework for remembering the relevant concepts for the exam? Would the method of loci work for concepts that are not sequential?
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I think you need to specify the quantity and depth of the concepts you need to remember.
Are we talking “must remember that Maxwell had something to do with electromagnetism” or are we talking “memorize and be able to apply 20 formulas like this:”
?
First one is very possible, second one is a lot harder : )
Thank you for your reply.
It is a bit of both. The subject matter is Structural Engineering concepts for vibration cases (e.g. different Degrees of Freedom Systems), the different formulas to use depending on the scenario given, etc. In terms of depth needed, I would like to say that they need to be remembered to a level where I have understood and remembered well enough to answer exam questions on these concepts.
There isn’t so much to learn actually. You walk along a mental journey and put mental images on specific locations. But usually you need practice too, which needs some time, depending on your talent and skill.
Let’s imagine a sports forum for a moment. Some day a member posts this topic:
Hey friends! I was wondering if there are some running techniques for a marathon that can be learned quickly, let's say in one week.
What would you answer to that? Well, I’m sure there are ways of running that can make a difference. But if you can do a marathon within one week as a beginner is another question. It depends on your current condition, talent, maybe also things like age et cetera.
But chances are that you will run out of breath before reaching the goal.
Having said that, I think two or three hundred locations in one week should be doable for a beginner.
If you need more, please consider to spend the time on understanding the subject matter instead. Mentally play around with concepts. For instance look at the formula @blackbrokkoli has posted. The APF grows when the total unit cell volume is smaller, and vice versa. Doing this can probably help a lot.
But that’s just my opinion.
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The second is as possible and simple as the first, but you will need a system for it.
You will need a list of pins for the list of Greek symbols and symbols for basic symbols, and an algorithm for procedures such as reverse Polish notation.
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I’d also consider using units to help you with equations (though this doesn’t help with unitless parameters). For example, you know the volume of a sphere must go as the radius cubed since both volume and radius cubed have the same units. If you had forgotten, and was wondering if volume goes as radius cubed, or radius squared, paying attention to units will help.
For the symbols or Greek alphabet I use a PO system, the symbols represent numbers up to 800 so they are also numerical based on the object and it is a symbol when it is the character.
The second is for the mathematical symbols addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc., I use substances, actions and affections that can represent these symbols as for example addition is an act of creativity or improvement, subtraction are acts of destruction or disfigurement, etc., so for example subtraction can be a mountain of skulls.
The RPN for the conversion would work in the following way of proceeding:
RPN: γ = 1 v 2 ^ c 2 ^ / - √ 1 /
RPN: N 4 3 / π * R 3 ^ * * a 3 ^ /
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