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"THE secrets of a good memory is attention, and attention to a subject depends upon our interest in it. We rarely forget that which has made a deep impression on our minds," said Tryon Edwards, a theologian.

Know what it means: The easiest way to remember information is to truly understand it. But when you are dealing with large amounts of facts that need to be recalled, for example, when studying for an exam, understanding alone is unlikely to be enough. You also need to memorise what you learn.

Read it, then write it: When you write things down, the act of writing also helps store the information in your mind, as your brain automatically takes a `mental photograph' of what you're written.

Once you've done this, cover up what you've written, and repeat it in your head or out loud. Next, take a fresh sheet of paper and write it down again, then check to see if you've got it right. Repeat the sequence until you get it correct twice in a row.

Create a routine: The key to reinforcing your memory, and ensuring you remember what you have taught yourself is to keep practicing. It helps to test yourself at different times, so you keep refreshing your memory.

A good way to do this is to construct a weekly timetable. Try skipping a day to give yourself a break and to test how well you're retaining what you're learning — so what you learn on Monday, you test on Wednesday and what you learn on Tuesday you test on Thursday and so on.

Use friends and family: If you have friends and family around, then ask them to test you. It only takes a few minutes of their time and is a really good way of seeing which areas of your study you need to improve on. Even if you score well, you still need to continue refreshing that memory. Maximise the time available to you, repeating facts in your head can be done anywhere, whether you're on a bus, walking, or in a queue.

(Edited extracts from Student Accountant, a journal ACCA, London. www.accaglobal.com)

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