Recently, I was contemplating how to understand and memorize information in an engaging and rapid manner. I realized that learning is closely tied to the connections we establish. It was then that I stumbled upon something seemingly simple but felt like the “Panacea of Learning.” Allow me to share my process.
I decided to try a technique: connecting content through mnemonic devices. I began reading conventionally, taking notes, and formulating questions about the text. However, I wondered: What if I created these connections directly in my mind? Could I retain twice as much information and understand it even better?
So, I gave it a shot. I associated key concepts and ideas from the text, creating a web of knowledge in my mind. Each idea led to another, and I experienced that rewarding mental clarity. But, of course, I needed to put my knowledge to the test.
I took a written exam on the material I had read, spanning around 20 pages. To avoid reinforcing the content, I generated questions using artificial intelligence. The result was astonishing: on a comprehension scale from 0 to 100, I scored 98 points. This was unexpected, considering my previous struggle with text comprehension. I often avoided cognitive performance tests simply because I didn’t want to grapple with understanding a passage.
In summary, I discovered that mental connections and mnemonic techniques can be powerful tools for learning. What are your thoughts on this experience?
Of course, when I want to learn a specific concept, I start by looking for information about it. Once I have access to that information, I study it. This is where mnemonics come into play. Let me explain my hypothesis: working memory generally ranges between 5 and 9 elements, that is, around 7 on average. However, if we expand our working memory capacity through mnemonic techniques, we would no longer be limited to that number. In my case, I apply a similar approach to what my working memory uses to retain information from a text, but I do it using mnemonics and adding more details. This allows me to keep more data in mind simultaneously.
For example, if I want to remember that humans have organs and that these are composed of tissues, I use a visual association. I imagine the word “humans” and visualize a human being assembled by a kidney, and that kidney, in turn, is made up of a specific fabric that reminds me of tissue. This visual representation is more understandable than simply remembering words, as it involves images and action. It’s as if the tissues were alive and manufactured the organs to build us. I have also successfully applied this technique to math problems, as it helps me relate important data and make sense of them.
Even if I don’t know the exact meaning of a word, like “tissue”, I can look up its definition. For example, tissue is a set of cells of one or more types. So, in my visual representation, I don’t see the tissue as a simple fabric, but as a set of cells with different colors, which gives it even more meaning and makes it easier to remember. It’s just that, building the foundations of the content by creating new connections, if for example you have a very complex book the ideal would be to start with an easier one, so you form the bases first, that is, you would have enough information to understand the more complex book. I hope you liked my explanation, if it’s a bit confusing you can ask me. A cordial greeting!!
