How to Improve Memory for Studying and Exams

If you’re in school to pursue an allied healthcare career, you may be seeing some terms and concepts for the first time. For example, do you know what an electronic health record (EHR) is? And can you explain the difference between these three health insurance terms: coinsurance, copay, and deductible? These types of topics may be covered in your healthcare program, making them important to learn.

Part of learning new information involves committing it to memory. Admittedly, memorizing anatomy, medical terminology, and all the other healthcare information you need to know in your degree or diploma program can sometimes be a challenge. So, here are a few study hacks to help improve your memory retention of key healthcare definitions, data, and facts.

Chunk Information

Chunking involves grouping larger pieces of information into smaller groups, thereby making them easier to recall. For example, in an anatomy and physiology course, you may learn about the bodily systems (nervous, digestive, musculoskeletal, etc.). Trying to memorize what each one does, how it works, and the organs or tissues involved can feel overwhelming. However, if you chunk the information, you may notice that it’s easier to remember.

If you’re learning about muscles, for instance, don’t try to remember all 600+ muscles in the human body at one time.¹ Instead, chunk them into groups based on their location in the body. It’s easier to remember that the two main upper arm muscles are the biceps and triceps than to try to memorize the name and location of every major muscle.

Take Handwritten Notes

With so many different types of technology available, it may be tempting to use a computer rather than a notebook to take notes. However, computer notes may not provide the same kind of recall and memorization abilities as handwritten notes. Numerous studies have shown that writing notes out by hand might be more effective than typing for college-level students when you want the information to stick.²

To make your handwritten notes helpful when studying for a test, here are a few tips:

Use highlighters to color-code certain pieces of information.

As an example, you might highlight important definitions in orange and concepts in yellow. This makes the information easier to find when reviewing your notes.

Write the notes using an outline format.

Mark major concepts or ideas with numbers (1, 2, etc.), noting supporting information for these concepts or ideas with lowercase letters (a, b, etc.). Use bullet points under the supporting information if you want to remember more specific details. This helps logically organize the information.

Abbreviate where you can.

Writing out notes can take more time than typing, especially if you’re a fast typer. To save time, use abbreviations where you can. Just make sure you know what the abbreviation stands for. As an example, instead of repeatedly writing ‘medical administrative assistant,’ you can write MAA. You may even want to create a cheat sheet for all the abbreviations you use so there is no question.

Use the PQRST Method

When trying to learn assigned reading material, the PQRST method is one to consider. This memory improvement technique stands for Preview, Question, Read, Self-Recite, and Test.³

Preview

Scan over the text to develop a big-picture view of the information you’re about to learn. Pay special attention to the table of contents, headings and subheadings, and the order in which the information is presented.

Question

Develop questions to help you identify the information you need to know by the time you’ve finished reading. Use headings and subheadings to help come up with ideas.

Read

Now it’s time to read through the entire text. Make note of the main ideas versus paying too much attention to single words. Highlight or underline related words or phrases.

Self-Recite

Without looking at the written materials, recite the main ideas (either in your head, aloud, or in writing). Then look at the content again to see if you missed anything.

Test

Within 24 hours, test yourself to make sure you remember all the required information. Take this step again before taking a formal test on the materials covered.

Make Sleep a Priority

Pulling an all-nighter may seem like a good strategy to memorize things fast for a test, but this type of study approach may backfire. Cramming your brain full of new data can leave you feeling mentally fried. Being overly tired or dehydrated from too much caffeine can also cause you to feel bad physically. Instead of cutting yourself short on sleep the night before a big test, make it a priority to get the recommended seven to nine hours.⁴

Not only can this help you feel more rested for the exam but sleep also plays a role in the formation and storage of episodic memories (memories that develop from our experiences).⁵ This may make sleep beneficial for retaining the information you’ve learned during hands-on learning experiences such as clinical practice or when performing duties as part of an externship or practicum.

Get Physically Active

Besides being good for your overall health, exercise may offer another benefit: the ability to better remember information. Regular exercise has been connected with an increase in volume in certain areas of the brain, including those that play a role in memory and thinking.⁶

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans indicates that moderate-intensity exercise involves activities like brisk walking, whereas running or jogging are examples of vigorous-intensity exercise.⁷ Though, you can also do other forms of aerobic activity if you prefer, such as cycling, swimming, or using an elliptical. The main thing is to get your heart rate up. (Note: It’s always advised that you consult with your physician before beginning an exercise program to determine whether it’s safe for you based on your health and conditions.)

These are just a few strategies that may help you study and retain information. And if you have any questions or would like some assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to UMA’s Learner or Academic Services. We’re here to help in any way we can!