How to remember what we read? 6 good tips

You spend time on an engaging reading, but shortly after, you notice that you have not retained anything? Here are pro tips to never forget what you read again.

Do you remember this article which mentioned an interesting study? From this book which raised useful tracks for you? Unfortunately, and even if we put good will, very often, the memories of what we have read remain imprecise. The fault of fatigue, multiplicity of information, mental overload …

6 tips to apply

While some people have an infallible memory (the famous “hypermnesia”), most of us need time, attention and repetitions to anchor sustainable memories. The good news is that Memorization is working, as Florian Manicardi, France of France 2022 vice-champion of France. Discover his tips to make your readings more effective.

1. Take notes

Our memory is selective and only records the information most likely to have an interest in us. In 24 hours, our brain is able to forget 50 to 80% of what he learned. To counter this process, take notes to force your brain to focus on certain points. And that means: write, highlight and comment, dictate information on your phone, activating the transcription … No matter, the right method is the one that suits you!

“Taking notes may seem tedious, but in reality, this saves a lot of time,” says Florian Manicardi. The notes must be short but clear, mainly comprising keywords. The best is to raise questions: why does this info seem essential to you? What do you want to withdraw? Take the time to rewrite what you understood with your words, to train your spirit of synthesis.

2. Re-exploit your keywords

Do not give up your notes and keywords once placed on paper or on your phone! Take them regularly, question them and revise them using, for example, free sites and applications (concept, anki, memoflash, memorizer, deep memory …), designed to memorize in a fun way (using questions and answers, flash cards …). These revisions act as reminders and come to counter forgetfulness.

3. Multiply ideas associations

Make connections between what you already know and what you read (what, to whom does that make you think? What concept can you attach it?). “Film, series, conversation with our loved ones, story of someone we know, there is always a possible link with our knowledge,” said the trainer. Who adds: “This mechanism is very powerful, because it prevents the acquired information from being isolated (and in the long term, lost) in our brain. On the contrary, it is attached to other information, such as a huge spider web.”

4. Go to active mode

The information retention rate is correlated with the way it is used. The pyramid of learning, developed by Edgar Dale, a researcher in American education, shows that we only memorize 10% of what we read. Conversely, when you use information in a discussion and take it back in writing, you memorize 70%. The secret to remember is therefore to reuse the information.

“In this way, says Florian Manicardi, we go from passive mode to active mode!” Writing a summary sheet, training to make quizs (we can, for example, ask Chat GPT to question us), hire a fiery discussion, give a conference, participate in a reading club, consult sites of literary criticism, are all fun to easily memorize what you have read. “You will store this knowledge effortlessly since they will have anchored in a concrete way,” explains the expert.

5. Find the right tools

Use memorization strategies with recognized efficiency, such as the “mental palace”, which classifies information in “rooms” of the house and “mind maps” or mental cards, which use diagrams, colors and pictograms to link ideas around a subject: these are other good ways to remember. “It is a virtuous circle: the more memorization techniques we use, the more things we hold back and the more confidence in ourselves”, underlines Florian Manicardi.

6. Dedicate quality time to reading

Reading a few pages before sleeping is not the best way to memorize. To retain our readings, we must devote a quality niche, at a time when we are alert and concentrated, ”insists our expert. Read in peace, far from his phone and all stress, take his time, that’s how to put the chances on your side!

3 errors not to be made

On the contrary, do not do this:

• Read slowly: Too much application generates boredom. Your brain disconnects, can be distracted by external elements. Prefer fast reading, synonymous with effective synthesis.
• Overconsider: Take a battery to read at the foot of your bed leads to disperse you. Be reasonable and do not buy more books than you are able to consume it.
• See SUMITICE: Do not really chase the readings, give your brain time to ingest the food received. Break breaks after a few pages, but also between your readings. “Walking in the great outdoors or meditating, for example, are activities that promote ‘attentional recharge’ and ultimately, learning”, specifies our expert.

A difference between screen and paper?

A study by American linguist Naomi Baron shows that when we read on screen, we go 28% less quickly and we restrict the formation of images in the head. However, mental images give meaning to what we read. The screen also affects understanding. In addition to greater eye fatigue, the screen induces more notifications and requests that divert us from our memorization effort. So no wonder that 92% of students still prefer to learn on a paper medium.

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