Latest news with #FeynmanTechnique
Time of India
15-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
7 memory tricks every parent should teach their child
Memory is more than just a skill, it's a silent superpower that shapes how children learn, solve problems, and build confidence. While most kids are told to 'read again' or 'focus more,' not many are taught how to remember. That's where memory tricks come in. These are not magic spells or rote-learning methods, but time-tested brain tools that make learning fun, sticky, and meaningful. Here are some unique memory tricks that go beyond common advice and truly empower young minds. These methods are rooted in psychology, brain science, and real-life parenting wisdom and they can make a real difference. The memory palace trick Children naturally remember places like the toy shelf, the fridge, or even the spot where a favourite book is kept. That's why memory experts often use the 'Memory Palace' technique, also known as the method of loci. For kids, this can be turned into a game, placing ideas or facts in specific rooms of the house in their mind. For example, if a child needs to remember the water cycle stages, consider placing evaporation near the stove (where steam comes out), condensation on the mirror, and precipitation at the garden tap. It becomes a mini story set in their own world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Smell it, say it, stick it Science says the brain holds on to memories better when they are attached to senses, especially smell. If a child is learning multiplication tables, doing so while chewing a clove or sniffing a lemon-scented crayon can make that memory stronger. Later, even the smell can trigger recall. Sensory anchoring is subtle but effective, and it turns boring repetition into a multi-sensory experience that sticks. Wrong answers first This is a lesser-known trick backed by cognitive research. When children are asked to guess answers (even if wrong) before learning the correct one, their brain creates stronger memory pathways. The surprise or correction that follows acts like a brain 'highlight.' For example, asking what causes day and night before teaching the concept encourages active brain engagement. The brain remembers its own mistake, and learns better from it. Talk to a toy Children may hesitate to explain things to parents or peers, fearing correction or embarrassment. But give them a favourite soft toy and ask them to teach it the solar system, they shine. The brain treats this as serious communication, and it leads to deeper understanding. This simple trick taps into the Feynman Technique, a proven method where teaching strengthens recall. And in a child's world, a toy makes the perfect non-judgmental student. Song-spell-switch Instead of ready-made rhymes, letting kids create their own, even if they're silly, builds lasting memory. For example, changing the tune of 'Twinkle Twinkle' to list planets or mixing spelling rules into a rap gives ownership to learning. Rhythm and melody activate both sides of the brain, making retention more effortless. Bonus? It becomes their secret 'study anthem.' The bedtime whisper Neuroscience confirms this: the brain strengthens memories during sleep. So, softly going over a few facts or reviewing a story in a relaxed bedtime tone (not study-mode) helps in silent reinforcement. It's not about last-minute cramming but gentle mental rehearsal. This bedtime whispering builds emotional bonding and memory retention together, a quiet, comforting ritual. Draw what's not there Instead of drawing what was seen in a book, asking to draw 'how a rainbow would look in a room' or 'a tree growing upside down' uses imagination. The twist? These imaginary prompts make the brain replay and apply what was learned, deepening memory. Imaginative recall rewires facts into long-term knowledge. It's creativity plus cognition, a powerful mix.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
10 smart study methods that make memorising concepts effortless
In an age driven by information overload and academic competition, the art of studying has evolved from mere repetition to strategic mastery. For students battling syllabus fatigue, last-minute cramming, or simply struggling to make sense of complex ideas, memorisation can feel like a losing battle. But what if retaining concepts wasn't about studying harder, but smarter? Memory, as neuroscience reveals, isn't just about storing data—it's about creating meaningful links, emotional anchors, and contextual recall. The smartest learners aren't necessarily the ones who spend the most time buried in books; they're the ones who optimise their time with the right methods. Below are 10 smart and research-backed study techniques that take the pain out of memorising and turn learning into a powerful, intuitive process. Spaced repetition: Harnessing the power of timing Forget marathon sessions. Spaced repetition uses strategically timed review intervals to strengthen memory. By revisiting material just as you're about to forget it, your brain builds stronger neural connections, ensuring long-term retention. Tools like Anki or Quizlet automate this science-backed process for maximum efficiency. The Feynman Technique: Learn by teaching Named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, this method involves explaining a concept in simple, everyday language—as if teaching someone else. The gaps in your explanation highlight areas that need work, transforming passive reading into active learning. Active Recall: Testing instead of reviewing Reading your notes repeatedly gives an illusion of knowledge. Active recall flips the script—by testing yourself on the material, you force your brain to retrieve information, reinforcing memory pathways. Flashcards, practice questions, or simply closing your book and writing down what you remember can work wonders. Mind mapping: Visual learning for better recall Visual learners benefit enormously from mapping information into diagrams. Mind maps connect concepts with branches and subtopics, providing a bird's-eye view of how ideas interlink. This not only improves understanding but also aids memory by forming strong visual associations. Interleaved practice: Mix it up Rather than studying one topic until exhaustion, interleaved practice involves switching between subjects or types of problems in a single session. This method strengthens problem-solving flexibility and enhances cognitive discrimination between concepts—essential for subjects like mathematics or science. Mnemonics and acronyms: Memory shortcuts Creating acronyms, rhymes, or vivid imagery to represent key information can anchor concepts firmly in memory. From "PEMDAS" in mathematics to creating absurd stories to remember biological classifications, mnemonics inject creativity into the learning process. Pomodoro technique: Study in sprints Concentration isn't infinite. The Pomodoro technique breaks study time into 25-minute focused intervals followed by short breaks. These mental sprints maximise attention and reduce burnout, making study sessions more productive and easier to sustain over time. Dual coding: Combine words with visuals When you combine textual information with diagrams, charts, or images, your brain processes the content through two channels—verbal and visual. This dual processing deepens comprehension and makes retrieval easier when you need it the most. Storytelling and analogies: Make it personal Narratives are naturally memorable. Turning abstract information into stories, or relating it to personal experiences, makes the brain treat it as meaningful rather than mechanical. Analogies also simplify complex topics, allowing you to understand and remember them with greater clarity. Self-reflection and meta-learning: Learn how you learn Perhaps the most powerful technique is to pause and assess what works for you. Are you retaining better through writing, listening, or teaching? Meta-learning encourages students to track their progress, adapt strategies, and become independent thinkers—an essential skill in today's dynamic learning environments. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
