Learning is an Art, and Remembering is Another

- Rajeeva Nayan Pathak, Principal, Woodridge International School, Siliguri 

We all have experienced moments when we struggle to recall what we learned yesterday. Learning is an important skill, but the ability to retain and recall that knowledge is equally vital. Just like a painter uses brushes and colours to create a masterpiece, a learner uses various techniques and tricks to master knowledge.  

One such example is the word "PAISA", which is used to remember the names of the five oceans of the world. The trick lies in associating a simple, relatable word with the first letters of each ocean:  

P: Pacific Ocean  

A: Atlantic Ocean  

I: Indian Ocean  

S: Southern Ocean  

A: Arctic Ocean  

This method is easy to use and highly effective, as our brain tends to remember patterns, associations, and familiar words better than random lists.  

Why are Tricks Important in Learning?  

1. Boosts Retention: Tricks create mental shortcuts, making it easier to store and retrieve information.  

2. Simplifies Complex Data: Large chunks of information become manageable when broken down into simpler, memorable formats.  

3. Engages the Mind: Using creative methods keeps the mind active and curious.  

Tricks to Remember and Retain Learning  

1. Acronyms and Mnemonics  

Creating a word or sentence using the first letters of a list is one of the most effective ways to remember. For example:  

- To remember the colours of the rainbow, use the acronym VIBGYOR:  

  - Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red.  

2. Chunking Information 

Breaking down large information into smaller, meaningful chunks is another effective method. For instance:  

- To remember a mobile number like 9431547561, you can break it into chunks: 943-154-7561.  

3. Association  

Connect new information to something you already know. For example, to remember that Agra is in Uttar Pradesh, you could think of the Taj Mahal (in Agra) as a "crown jewel" of Uttar Pradesh.  

4. Visualization

Create a mental picture of the concept. For example, to remember the parts of a plant, imagine an actual plant with its roots, stem, leaves, and flowers, and associate each part with its function.  

5. Repetition

Revisiting the information regularly strengthens memory. Read, write, and recall multiple times. For example, revise the capitals of Indian states every week until they stick.  

6. Rhymes and Songs

Turn information into a rhyme or song to make it fun and memorable. For example, "Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November..." is a rhyme used to remember the days in each month.  

7. Storytelling

We all love stories, and turning your learning into a narrative can work wonders. For example, to remember the planets in order, imagine them as characters in a story going on an adventurous journey.  

Bringing it All Together  

Learning tricks, like the "PAISA" method, are like tools in a toolbox. They are not one-size-fits-all but can be chosen depending on the type of information you are dealing with. Use tricks to play with your memory and turn learning into a joyful experience.  

Learning and remembering do not have to be separate activities. With the right techniques, they can work hand in hand, ensuring that knowledge stays with you for a lifetime. Remember, practice and creativity are key. Once you master these tricks, you’ll unlock the true potential of your mind.

Happy Learning!

Jai Hind!!