Many computer certifications, to one degree or another, require you to readily recall facts and figures but committing this information to memory can often be a frustrating, arduous and time-consuming task. There are, however, certain memory techniques that you can use to increase your ability to absorb and recall information at will. While the topic of memory enhancement is a lengthy and varied one, and there are many theories and techniques offered by various experts, there are some simple techniques that you can get started with right away. Like with most things however, the more time and effort you put into learning these memory techniques, the more you're likely to get back.
Mnemonics
Simply put, a mnemonic is a memory aid, a way of assisting the memory to recall information. How you assist your brain to remember things can be done in a variety of ways, but the key to understanding mnemonics is to understand that when we learn or remember something it’s normally through a mix of any number of sensory stimuli that create the memory in our minds. For example, when you are introduced to someone for the first time you’ll not only see them visually (and make judgmental observations), but you’ll also probably touch them (shaking hands), smell them (consciously or sub-consciously), and associate the meeting with a location, other people, colours, a particular time, or even a mood. When you later come to recall that person your mind will draw on all of those stimuli (whether you're aware of it or not) to bring back the memory of that person. So using mnemonics to help you remember things is really all about using the strengths of your mind and the associations you make.
Two such methods that are easy to learn are word/picture associations and the link/story technique which we'll cover next.
Next:
Word / Picture Associations
Link / Story Building
