Improving Memory

SeanD

SeanD

Well-Known Member
There is a lot of stuff to memorize. Im having a hell of time with V speeds among other things. Ill have it down then out the window it goes when the time comes to remember everything. Is there anything out there such as types of vitamins ect that improve memory. What are some of the methods you all use? What has worked for you? Thanks
 
Well, I'm a very visual person, so I always memorize things in relation to a visual cue of some sort. For example, when memorizing V-speeds, I picture the airspeed indicator in my head and where the V-speed falls on it. I also have a bit of a photographic memory though sometimes, so who knows.
 
Funny how I've been wondering the same thing! All these flows and memory items are killing me!... I have bad memory overall... I'm bad with names and even worse with anything book related (i.e., flows)...
 
Eh... Vspeeds... Sure, you've got to get them down on the little planes, but once you go "big time" there are all sorts of noise makers, shakers and red lines to let you know you exceeded something.:)


Really, flash cards are how I do it. And once they are there and being used, or at least thought about from time to time, they tend to stick.
 
It may not seem related, but pick up a speed reading book. Its obvious that you won't be speed reading flows and V's, but it works, its bizarre.

Its like Die Hard 1, when Bruce is told to make toe fists in the carpet. :-P
 
+1 for flash cards. I'm studying for PPL right now and I'm pretty surprised how much I remember verbatim by using cards.
 
Sprint100 said:
I usually stop smoking the reefer when I have to remember something:D
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haha! In high school I always though a morning joint helped the learning process. Turns out all it did was cause me to spend too much money on doughnuts and then fall asleep by 3rd period.
 
To improve my memory I.......






I'm sorry, what was the question again?

:D




Serioulsy, flash cards worked well for me. You learn while you're reviewing the info to put on the cards, you learn while you make the cards, and you learn every time you review the cards, it's a multiple layering learning system. Very effective.

Also, if you tend to be more of an audio-learner (remembering via listening) try making up a song containing the memory items. Make new words (using the info you want to memorize) to an existing song, or make up a whole new tune. Sing it to yourself, or use it to entertain others at the bar. :)
 
BobDDuck said:
Eh... Vspeeds... Sure, you've got to get them down on the little planes, but once you go "big time" there are all sorts of noise makers, shakers and red lines to let you know you exceeded something.:)


Really, flash cards are how I do it. And once they are there and being used, or at least thought about from time to time, they tend to stick.
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So even with the marked gauges, aural warnings and such, you still don't have to memorize that stuff? We have those cool things too, but still have LOTS of limitations to memorize.

One thing that kinda helped me was building a PowerPoint...I actaully built it for student use, but I have found out that it works pretty good too. Of course, can't go wrong with flash cards...take them EVERYWHERE!!!
 
GalaxyIFE said:
So even with the marked gauges, aural warnings and such, you still don't have to memorize that stuff? We have those cool things too, but still have LOTS of limitations to memorize.

One thing that kinda helped me was building a PowerPoint...I actaully built it for student use, but I have found out that it works pretty good too. Of course, can't go wrong with flash cards...take them EVERYWHERE!!!
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I like that Power Point idea. Ive done the flash cards and they are helpful. However when Im put on the spot by my CFI and asked something I freeze up. I know the stuff I just need to mentally retain it better if that makes sense.
 
Oh yeah... Flash cards work wonders for those types of things (ie, V Speeds)... but when you got long flows to memorize, all you can really do is just go over and over them 'till you can't stand'em.
 
GalaxyIFE said:
So even with the marked gauges, aural warnings and such, you still don't have to memorize that stuff? We have those cool things too, but still have LOTS of limitations to memorize.
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I was sort of kidding. It's not a great thing to overspeed the flaps or the gear.
 
GreenDayPilot said:
I'm bad with names and even worse with anything book related (i.e., flows)...
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if you think flows are a book thing you're doing it wrong. The key to memorizing flows (and immediate action items for that matter) is muscle memory. Get in front of a poster, in the FTD or an empty plane and go through them. Not just saying to yourself the steps, but go through the motions, move your hands, etc. It'll come a lot more naturally that way, much easier than trying to memorize them by looking at a book.
 
casey said:
if you think flows are a book thing you're doing it wrong. The key to memorizing flows (and immediate action items for that matter) is muscle memory. Get in front of a poster, in the FTD or an empty plane and go through them. Not just saying to yourself the steps, but go through the motions, move your hands, etc. It'll come a lot more naturally that way, much easier than trying to memorize them by looking at a book.
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I found that helps when memorizing emergency procedures.

Also, study everyday for a little bit rather then once a week.
 
casey said:
if you think flows are a book thing you're doing it wrong. The key to memorizing flows (and immediate action items for that matter) is muscle memory. Get in front of a poster, in the FTD or an empty plane and go through them. Not just saying to yourself the steps, but go through the motions, move your hands, etc. It'll come a lot more naturally that way, much easier than trying to memorize them by looking at a book.
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I agree, but I don't always have acess to a poster. I usually try to study away from home, so I go to starbucks or BN... and I'd like to avoid bringing a big poster in there.
 
Ever have a song get stuck in your head and have it drive you up the bloody wall?

At RAH we had to memorize:
max ramp wt
max takeoff wt
max landing wt
max zero fuel wt
max cargo wt -------------- for FIVE different planes. Granted, some of these numbers were the same, but that's a lot of big numbers in your head.

How did I do it?? Perhaps I'm the queen of all of Dorkdom, maybe I'm an over-enthusiastic movie-geek, or it might be that I'm simply looking for something to do with that useless music education degree I have, but I took these numbers and sung songs about them to tunes from Fiddler on the Roof. Stupid? Yes. Original? Maybe. Effective? You bet your sweet bippy.

Try taking a song you like, or even one you don't, and make up lyrics to help you remember the things you need to remember. With any luck, the song gets stuck in your head, and you don't even realize you're studying when you sing it in the shower. :D
 
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