Tips for improving memory and focus?

Question

I'm a college student and sometimes I can get easily bored and have trouble focusing in class or during studying.

Does anyone have any suggestions for improving my memory, focus and attentiveness?

Answer 1

Exercise your brain more often. Sudoku and other such logic puzzles are great for this, or you could try and solve a Rubik's cube.

When taking notes, you could try mind-mapping which I find is easier for organizing ideas and linking them up.

Answer 2

Remember that being attentive and learning the material is not an option-----it is a NECESSITY.   You dont have to be completely attentive at every moment of every class, but the less attentive you are in class, the better your memory must be, because you will be cramming and studying extra hard before tests since you didnt learn in class.

As far as memorizing--always outline the chapters in you textbook.  Dont just read the text, write out the key points in an outline.  writing the important info will help you memorize.  this method has always worked for me.  its more work than just reading and highlighitng important info, but you learn it.  then just read the outline before your tests, because it has all the important stuff.   Constantly write out what you need to learn.  If its a math formula, write it out 20 times on a piece of paper until you know it by heart.  Outline and study your stuff and you will memorize.