Emily Nguyen Week 13: Effective Memorization
Effective Memorization
As someone occasionally burdened by the task of memorizing scripts and monologues for my drama class, I've noticed a few patterns correlating certain memorization methods to more successful results. I've performed three formal scenes so far this semester; one monologue and two partner scripts. And from experience, certain approaches have definitely proven to be more effective than others, which can also apply to studying for other subjects.
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Meeting memorization check deadlines was significantly more difficult for my monologue performance, which consists of only one person. Working with partners has made the process much faster. What would usually take me several days to memorize alone would take only a handful of rehearsals with duo scripts.
Memorization by association has been an effective tool, where certain lines would remind me of side conversations I've had with partners in the past. Reading and rereading my monologue script was a tedious chore, whereas working with friends was more of a fun activity. Studies done by Dalhouse University reveal that assigning meaningfulness to things makes memory much stronger.
Of course, consistency was also important. Working alone, I would regularly write and rewrite my script down on paper from start to finish by memory during class time. With my first duo scene, time was only spent productively, rehearsing lines page by page until everything was perfected. With my most recent duo scene and a partner change, however, memorization time was mostly spent fooling around in the theater, neglecting our script after a a handful of practices reading through it. Nevertheless, with memorization checks rolling around the corner, learning my lines at the last minute came much more easily, despite the minimal rehearsals.
The technique you refer to where you write and rewrite your script for drama to memorize it reminds me of a weird habit I used to have when I was in my younger years of elementary school. For some reason, I would find joy in typing out song lyrics over and over again while listening to music. This made me memorize the song lyrics at an exponential rate, and my typing abilities also sky-rocketed. It seems like you have sorted out a good memorization process for yourself, but if you ever want to try a new technique, you can test out my typing method.
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ReplyDeleteI have always hated quickly memorizing long speeches, but I have found that memorizing in three steps. First, I reread the material again and again and again and again. Then, line by line I restate it without looking slowly memorizing more of the passage as I continue. Lastly, I practice the speech at random times in different emotions, volumes, and standing positions. If I have to present something, I also practice the hand gestures I need. Depending on how strongly I have to have memorized the material I continue this last step for as long as possible. The problem with this style of memorizing is that it takes a lot of time and I only retain the memorized material in the short term. The material I memorized for long term use such as science fair presentations or debate arguments, were often more enjoyable to memorize because I was passionate in what I was saying and confident that I knew the material and the best way to present it. I guess depending on what you need to memorize, the method for memorizing should change.
Hey Emily, thank you for all the memorization strategies! I know a lot of people say that writing down notes as opposed to just listening or typing them down is scientifically proven to stimulate memory. I mentioned this in another comment briefly too, but it is usually always easier for me to remember things when I am working with someone because I can associate it to not only arbitrary things, but to memories of studying the content itself. I remember a lot of time on tests when I would struggle to remember a term or concept, and instead of just trying to randomly recall it, I'll try to go back to any conversations or specific problems where I had to apply that concept. Basically, I found that remembering memories of learning or applying a concept was more effective in high stress situations then actually trying to recall the specific content itself. I wonder if this is why people who generally put more effort into classes and study with others are able to retain information so much better than others who might actually know the concept really well but spend less time with it.
ReplyDeleteHey Emily, I love how you mentioned several ways to memorize information for all kinds of situations such as memorizing information for a test or memorizing a speech for a presentation such as our POAS that is coming up fast! Honestly, one of the most common things I've heard about memorization is writing it down. People around me have always said that writing notes instead of typing it helps you understand the content which would help you remember the information you are writing. Most people usually say what they are writing in their heads while writing which help them, but some people also do that while typing. In all honestly, as much as that might help, I feel like relating the information to something you already remembering might help you make connections to remember the information when you need to. Thank you for all the strategies though, I certainly plan on using them.
ReplyDeleteHey Emily, thanks for all your memorization advice! Personally, I suck at memorizing things so I will definitely try some of these strategies in my own academics. Specifically, you mentioned working with a partner making your memorization of the content quicker. I think this is the gem of study groups and buddies. When remembering, you have the memories of the study group. Additionally, having another person allows me to study in a possibly more fun and engaging way than I ever could by myself. I've also heard the technique that writing the content helps you memorize the content. Judging by the other comments, I do not think I am alone in saying that this does not really work for me. Typically, I restate the information repeatedly in my mind until I can memorize it. That is the gem about memorization strategies--everyone has their own that works for them. Thanks for sharing your own strategies!
ReplyDeleteWow drama seems to be a lot of work, so I am glad I signed up for dance next year! One thing I resonated within your blog is the idea of “attaching meaningfulness” to tasks as it is talked about in the book I am currently reading called Deep Work. Deep work is undistracted work time where one sits and finishes 1-2 essential tasks for a few hours. The reason why this method works is because it limits the attention residue that comes from task switching. The book describes how whenever you switch from a task, there is a period it takes to go back to your focus state. For your next rehearsal, try to practice Deep Work, and let me know your results!
ReplyDeleteHi Emily! While reading this, I kept thinking of when you asked me to help you memorize your script. The lines were unbelievably long and I was so impressed that you were able to memorize them all. I often find it hard to even memorize a four page piano piece. I suppose it is a bit different as playing piano requires different parts of the brain, but memorization has never come easily to me. The only time I am able to memorize anything well is while listening to songs, I unintentionally memorize the lyrics.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, that’s really interesting. I definitely agree, memorizing with a partner is much easier and also not as boring as trying to memorize a lot of material on your own. Sometimes working alone is not very interesting and it takes longer to memorize a script. When there is another person to play off of, it makes sense that we can memorize material better and in a shorter amount of time. It might be due to the process of how our brain memorizes. Having that other person there becomes part of our memory as we are memorizing chunks of information, and it’s easier to incorporate another person directly into what we are memorizing.
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