Reading is a terrific way to learn new things, broaden your horizons, and have fun. However, remembering what you read might be difficult at times, particularly if you have a lot of information to absorb or a hectic schedule. How can you enhance your reading recall and retention? Here are some pointers to help you recall what you read better.
Know your purpose and goal for reading
Before you begin reading, consider the following: What am I reading? What am I doing reading it? What do I want to gain or learn by reading this? By identifying your reading purpose and aim, you may concentrate on the most relevant and significant sections of the book while avoiding distractions from irrelevant parts. Knowing your purpose and aim also helps you establish your reading expectations and motivation, which may influence how well you recall what you read.
Preview the text and get familiar with the topic
Take a few moments to preview the text before digging into it. Examine the title, subheadings, photos, graphs, tables, summaries, introductions, and conclusions. These aspects may provide you with an overview of the text’s core ideas, organisation, and arguments. They may also assist you in reactivating your earlier knowledge and interest about the subject. The more you know and care about a subject, the more probable it is that you will remember what you read.
Read actively and critically
Don’t just read the text on the page passively. Instead, read critically and actively. This includes asking questions, finding connections, visualising images, summarising significant points, assessing arguments, and applying what you’ve learned to the text. You are digesting the material deeper and making it more meaningful and memorable for yourself by engaging in these activities.
Make notes and underline important points
Take notes and underline relevant material as you read. Writing down or underlining what you read will help you remember and comprehend what you’ve read. It may also help you organise your ideas so you can go over them later. But don’t go overboard. Only note or underline the major thoughts or significant data that support your reading aim and objective. Avoid copying or highlighting anything since it will lower your attention and memory.
Recall and review
After you’ve finished reading, go back and review what you’ve read. You may do this by reviewing your notes or highlights, or by summarising or explaining what you read to someone else in your own words. You may also employ mnemonic devices to help you recall certain features or facts, such as acronyms, rhymes, or relationships. Reviewing and remembering what you’ve read might help you solidify your memory and confirm your comprehension.
Do spaced repetition
You must repeat and spread out your reading periods if you want to recall what you read for a long time. Don’t attempt to read or cram everything in one session or before a deadline. Instead, divide your reading into smaller parts and distribute them across time. For example, if you have a book to read for a month, instead of reading the whole book in one day, read a few chapters every week. You may give your brain more time to analyse and retain information this way.
Conclusion
Reading is a useful skill that may improve your life in a variety of ways. However, in order to get the most out of your reading, you must recall what you read properly. You may increase your reading retention and memory by using the following techniques and tricks:
- Know your purpose and goal for reading
- Preview the text and get familiar with the topic
- Read actively and critically
- Make notes and underline important points.
- Recall and review
- Do spaced repetition
Happy reading!