Maybe it’s because I’m an English major, but after writing so many essays, studying for the occasional exam feels like a treat, especially the memorization aspect of it. While that may sound odd, I genuinely believe that learning how to memorize can be both fun and rewarding, in and outside academia.
Back in the summer of tenth grade, when I was recovering from surgery, I passed the time by memorizing countries, capitals, flags, and lyrically dense songs like “Alphabet Aerobics”—partly to entertain myself and partly to show off. Over time, I realized that regularly practicing exercises like these helped boost my memory. Studying for exams felt less stressful, preparing presentations became easier, and remembering people’s names and birthdays started to come naturally.
Curious about how I make memory practice fun? Keep reading to see what has worked for me!
Gamify the Process
I use quiz sites like JetPunk and Sporcle to channel my competitive streak into learning geography facts, challenging myself to beat my previous scores and improve my time. With online quizzes available on nearly every topic, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that sparks your interest too.
This strategy also works well for memorizing course content. Before exams, I like to make flashcards, kahoots, and jeopardy boards to motivate myself and my peers by turning revision into a game with a scoring system (and sometimes even prizes).
Add a Melody
Music, either a familiar melody or your own invention, has a way of making information stick. In sixth grade, I memorized the first 36 elements of the periodic table by singing them to the tune of the “Hokey Pokey” song… I can still recite them to this day.
More recently, my Latin professor suggested we memorize vocabulary and grammar with songs and jingles (e.g., this one), an approach I found helpful and entertaining. You could search for a song about something you’re trying to memorize or, if you’re musically inclined, maybe even make your own!
Explore What Works
There are many other techniques out there. I’ve also tried writing things down, using mind maps, mnemonics, and memory palaces. The goal is to find an approach that makes memorization more practical and enjoyable for you.
Another key element is repetition. As with any other skill, consistently engaging with memory practice can help you improve. I review what I’ve memorized in quiet moments—while brushing my teeth, waiting in line, or on public transit—flipping through my mental flashcards instead of reaching for my phone.
Final Thoughts
Sure, we live in a time where we can Google or ChatGPT anything in seconds, but cultivating a sharp memory still pays off. You also never know when a random fact might come in handy. I once won a t-shirt at trivia night thanks to having been nerd enough to memorize the world flags. So really, why not give memorization a try?
