Techniques
Evidence-based mnemonic methods, explained and practicable.
Mnemonic encoding
1. Method of Loci — Memory Palace
A fixed 10-point route with exaggerated, moving images.
Not practised yet · 8 min of practice
Mnemonic encoding
2. Major System
Turn digits into consonants so numbers become words.
Not practised yet · 8 min of practice
Mnemonic encoding
3. Names and Faces
Repeat, turn into an image, anchor to a feature, use 3 times, review.
Not practised yet · 6 min of practice
Mnemonic encoding
4. Chunking
Working memory holds ~4 units; meaningful chunks multiply capacity.
Not practised yet · 5 min of practice
Mnemonic encoding
5. Elaboration and Deep Processing
Ask why it is true, what it resembles, where you would use it.
Not practised yet · 6 min of practice
Practice and schedule
6. Active Retrieval
Testing beats rereading; rereading creates an illusion of fluency.
Not practised yet · 7 min of practice
Practice and schedule
7. Spaced Repetition
Reviewing right before you forget is what makes it stick.
Not practised yet · 5 min of practice
Attention
8. Mindful Encoding
Most “forgetting” was never memorised. Narrate out loud as you store.
Not practised yet · 5 min of practice
Practice and schedule
9. Implementation Intentions
“If [situation], then [action]” turns intention into a trigger.
Not practised yet · 4 min of practice
Practice and schedule
10. Cognitive Offloading
One system, a fixed address, triggers in the environment.
Not practised yet · 4 min of practice
Biological base
11. Sleep and Consolidation
Fix your wake time and review before sleeping.
Not practised yet · 3 min of practice
Biological base
12. Aerobic Exercise
150 minutes a week; study in the post-exercise window.
Not practised yet · 3 min of practice