Bear with me if this next statement seems far-fetched.  Scientists have been able to impede our brains from overwriting recently learned information by attaching electrodes to people's heads!  It's true.  This is pretty amazing stuff.  Essentially, scientists used magnets to stimulate specific parts of the brain associated with learning.  Subjects' memories for an earlier task were better twelve hours after receiving treatment, compared to their memories for the same tasks prior to the painless treatment.  Of course, there's no evidence yet that retention is better over the long term, and the study needs to be expanded and replicated, but is this cool or what?  Classrooms of the future may be full of electrode helmets.  OK, maybe not, but it's fun to think about.

 

So given that none of us are going to be stimulating our brains with magnets any time soon, what can students do now to help their memories?  First, use breaks during class to review the information just covered.  I know your first instinct is to grab your phone and text about how boring class is, but don't give in to the urge.  Using those few minutes to let the stuff you just learned sink in will help you remember it later.  Second, when you're doing your course homework and reviewing your notes, stick to one topic per session, and keep your sessions short.  Finally, consider using a tutor instead of signing up for class so you can work at your own pace.