Image credit

It can be easy to spend time reading a book, and then completely forget what you read by the end of the day. This can be especially frustrating if you are a student or a keen learner and trying to retain information about a subject you want to progress with. 

The usual go-to activity is to re-read the information. This can be effective for some, but for others, you need a little more. 

This article looks at 5 effective ways to better retain information after reading. 

#1 Quiz yourself

After you have read a section, a good way to retain the information is to quiz yourself. This allows your brain to work hard to retrieve the information you have just read, which is an effective way to store it in your memory long term. Alternatively, if you get the answer wrong, you are much more likely to remember that the next time. 

#2 Use a guide 

Guides are a great way to see the information differently. You can create your guide, or you can purchase guides online. Guides are usually formatted out in a different way to the books and are more visually stimulating, which can help you digest the information in a different or better way. For example, if you are a medical student, you can purchase an anatomy study guide that breaks down different theories. You can also purchase guides to match your learning style too, as everyone is unique. 

#3 Use the information in a real-life scenario 

The best way to remember something is to attach the information you have just learned, to something you already know. Scan your house or your memory, and try to relate the information to a similar object or behavior. 

#4 Use visuals

Take the information from your book and turn it into something visual. Flashcards or mind maps are two of the most popular ways to revise information. Flashcards are a great way to condense information into small chunks and use them to test yourself to help retain the information. Mind maps also help you condense the information down, but provide you with more visual aid in learning, especially if you use lots of colors and diagrams in the process. Find creative ways to display the information. This act in itself will help you retain information better, as you think about it more and try to portray it in different ways. 

#5 Practice often 

Trying to cram the information in quickly, and then moving onto the next thing, is not very effective. It may help you remember the information short term, but will not do anything for long term retention. The most effective way to study is to space the information out, and practice often. Try a little bit per day, use your guides, mind maps, and flashcards to help you. 

If you can prepare yourself to retain the information and take steps after reading, then you are likely to find an effective way that works for you. Commitment and repetition are key in retaining information.