# Memory Techniques Cheatsheet — Free Printable — Get My Test Score

> Free printable memory techniques cheatsheet. Learn spaced repetition, active recall, mnemonics, chunking, and dual coding. Print or save as PDF.

Source: https://getmytestscore.co.uk/cheatsheet-memory-techniques

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# Memory Techniques Cheatsheet

A quick-reference guide to the most effective memory techniques. Pin this to your wall, keep it in your study folder, or save it as a PDF for revision time.

## 1\. Spaced Repetition

Instead of cramming everything at once, review material at increasing intervals. Each time you successfully recall something, wait a little longer before reviewing it again. This takes advantage of how your brain strengthens memories over time.

### Suggested Review Intervals

Day 1First learn

Day 21st review

Day 42nd review

Day 73rd review

Day 144th review

Day 305th review

Tip: Use flashcards and sort them into piles — "know well" (review less often) and "still learning" (review daily).

## 2\. Active Recall

Testing yourself on material is far more effective than re-reading it. Active recall forces your brain to retrieve information, which strengthens the memory pathway.

### Three Ways to Practise Active Recall

1.  **Cover and recite** — read a section, cover it, then say or write what you remember from memory.
2.  **Flashcards** — write a question on one side and the answer on the other. Test yourself regularly.
3.  **Brain dumps** — close your notes and write down everything you can remember about a topic on a blank page.

## 3\. Mnemonics

Mnemonics turn hard-to-remember information into something more memorable by using patterns, associations, or imagery.

### Types of Mnemonics

-   **Acronyms** — take the first letter of each item to form a word or phrase (e.g. "ROYGBIV" for rainbow colours).
-   **Method of Loci (Memory Palace)** — imagine placing items along a familiar route or room. Walk through the route in your mind to recall them.
-   **Peg System** — associate numbers with rhyming images (1 = bun, 2 = shoe, 3 = tree), then link each image to what you need to remember.
-   **Stories** — connect unrelated items into a vivid, silly story. The more unusual, the more memorable.

## 4\. Chunking

Your short-term memory can hold about 4–7 items at once. Chunking groups individual pieces of information into larger, meaningful units so you can remember more.

-   Phone numbers: 07712345678 becomes 077 1234 5678
-   History dates: group events by decade or theme
-   Vocabulary: group words by topic (e.g. food, travel, emotions)

The key is finding a pattern or meaning that connects the items in each chunk.

## 5\. Dual Coding

Combine words with visuals to create two memory pathways instead of one. When you see both a diagram and a written explanation, your brain stores the information in two different ways, making it easier to recall.

### How to Use Dual Coding

-   Draw simple diagrams or sketches next to your notes
-   Create timelines for historical events
-   Use colour-coding to highlight categories or themes
-   Turn processes into flowcharts

## 6\. The Forgetting Curve

Research shows that without review, you forget roughly 50% of new information within an hour, and up to 70% within 24 hours. Each time you review, the curve flattens — you forget more slowly. This is why spaced repetition works so well.

The first review is the most important. Even a quick 5-minute recap within 24 hours makes a huge difference.

## Quick Reference

| Technique | Best For | How to Start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spaced Repetition | Long-term retention of facts | Make flashcards, review on a schedule |
| Active Recall | Any subject — especially exams | Close your notes and test yourself |
| Mnemonics | Lists, sequences, definitions | Create an acronym or memory palace |
| Chunking | Numbers, vocabulary, grouped info | Break long lists into meaningful groups |
| Dual Coding | Complex topics, processes | Add a diagram next to your notes |
| Forgetting Curve | Timing your revision | Review within 24 hours, then space out |

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