| Find it difficult to memorise long lists without | | | | and then the trivial. |
| forgetting essential elements? It is a common | | | | The next step is to nominate a segment of your |
| problem, yet one that can be easily combated by | | | | list to one of these easily recognisable landmarks. |
| the use of simplistic memory training. People learn | | | | It helps here if you associate paramount |
| by association, which is why young children learn | | | | information with prominent landmarks. The list is |
| the alphabet by use of recognition ie A- Annie | | | | extremely effective and works with objects, |
| Apple; B- Bouncing Ben and so on. | | | | times, people and dates. The longer the list is the |
| A slightly more advanced, but equally effective | | | | more trivial landmarks will be needed, and the |
| technique is the journey method. This works by | | | | shorter the list, the shorter the journey! |
| associating information with landmarks on a | | | | Here is an example of a simple journey list, along |
| journey you are very familiar with. For example, | | | | with memory hints, applied to a shopping trip: |
| the trip to work in the morning; the route you | | | | • Front door: washing up liquid (spilt on |
| take to your parent’s house or the | | | | doormat) |
| supermarket. In fact, once you have mastered | | | | • Rose bush in front garden: bunch of |
| the ability to associate information with everyday | | | | tomatoes (look similar to roses) |
| journeys, you may soon be able to invent new | | | | • Car: potatoes/veg (sitting on drivers seat) |
| journeys that fix in your mind and apply them. | | | | • End of road: French bread rolls (similar to |
| In order for the technique to work most | | | | road markings) |
| effectively, it is advised to mentally prepare the | | | | • Traffic lights: (wrapped in cling film) |
| journey in full first. By doing this you have a clear | | | | It’s really that simple. By training your mind to |
| map of each of the landmarks before you | | | | associate simple elements with familiar landmarks |
| attempt to apply information. A good idea is to | | | | your memory can improve dramatically, ensuring |
| write down the most prominent destinations in | | | | you do not forget any essential information. |
| order, then try to remember the less obvious, | | | | |