5 students tell us the secrets that help them learn better and recall all what they’ve read

For some students, there is always a struggle with understanding what they read, where and how to read to fully grasp the information and concepts, and even what effective techniques for them to recall everything they read.

In this interview, NRTC spoke to 5 students who shared the secrets that help them assimilate and recall all what they’ve read.

Sulaimon

“The primary factors behind effective retention for me are interest and motivation. Once I have interest in a book , probably to pass an exam or just gain knowledge, I tend to read such book(s) better with activeness. While motivation, basically source of sustenance, is another thing that cannot be overemphasized as far as reading effectively is concerned.“

Peter

“It’s basically intense reading (in a conducive environment) and re-reading on different occasions. Also hearing others explain that concept. For me, I am a class person. I tend to grasp things more when one explains them to me. Having a complete free and open mind (no troubles). There was this time I had Issues with my hall portal I couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing.“

“Also having a desired goal(not really too big). For me I just didn’t want to be a bottom scorer in the class (even if it would be a good one considering my department (Medicine and Surgery) I have to read so I won’t have the least score in my class.“

“For recalling, going through previously asked questions and coming back to read the material again, watching YouTube videos. And sleeping too. Also for recalling, taking essential notes down which I read few minutes to exams.”

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Fikayo

“I try to apply whatever I’m learning in real life. Like how does this work outside the books. I use things around me to learn too. I can remember using parts of my body and match sticks to learn articulation of bones. Watching videos also helps me learn better.“

“Then after reading, I try as much as possible to remember and summarize to myself. If I skip at any point, I know to go back to the book. I keep the ‘learning aids’ close to me so that when I see them, I can remember what I used them for.“

“During the just concluded semester, I’d ask my roommate to tell me what she has read. If she makes a mistake, I’ll correct her and in parts that we both aren’t sure, we check the book together. This helps what I’ve read to stick more.“

Victoria

“For me, the first thing I do is try to understand the concept I’ve read. It could take me some minutes depending on how tough it is. After which I write them down in a book.“

“Some other time, I speak it out. Yes! I act like there’re some guys looking at me and I’m the lecturer. And I must say, this is the fastest way I’ve memorized concepts and understood theories. There are days when I just look at the wall and I’m telling it all that I know about a Topic and how I’ll start with a catchy introduction if any questions comes out of the topic.“

“I also use mnemonics. On days when I have to learn names of items, years and stuffs that are elaborately long. I just use their first letters to form words which will aid my memorization.“

“Lastly, I teach. I could just beg my friends to listen to me while I teach them. During the process of teaching them, better understanding is aided. These secrets have been of immense help to me.“

Ganiu

“I mostly use mnemonics for information retainment. And sometimes immediately I read I sleep then wake up, read and sleep back. I think that works for me too.”