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What Memory Techniques Can't Do |
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There are many wild claims made for memory techniques, including that they can actually increase your IQ. Take no notice. They cannot. |
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They Can't Replace Learning |
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Nor can memory techniques replace learning. They are not a cop out of education. |
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They can, however, be used to store lots of information which you may wish to manipulate from memory. They can also be used to store lots of facts which you have already ensured you understand. You can then use them without reference to a textbook in an exam, or other situation. |
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Effective learning depends on analysis and synthesis. |
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Analysis involves separating material into categories or classes. There are many ways that you'll be able to do this and it requires some creativity and imagination. Memory techniques will not replace this process. |
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Synthesis is the recombination of separate categories, for example, after analysis. This recombination will always be carried out on the basis of some kind of sense. Categories will be brought together for a rational purpose, to enhance understanding of something or other. Memory techniques cannot replace this process. |
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Everybody should adopt the stance of intelligent scepticism. It is not intellectually healthy to take any knowledge for granted just because somebody told you it, or you saw it written down. It's surprising how many people insist that something or other is absolutely right because they read it in a newspaper. Knowledge should be evaluated and criticised, and only after you have satisfied yourself that it is accurate should you accept it as useful. Memory techniques cannot do this for you. |
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