Memory Characteristics
Human memory is virtually limitless. It is estimated that the average human brain can store 100 trillion bits of information, which means, in principle, a human brain can store ten million books.

Usage of memory is extremely low
Unfortunately, the actual memory usage of an average person is much lower than what it is supposed to be. The reasons are mainly due to an inefficient usage of memory. It is estimated that for an average human being, the brain is either in a highly stressed state (overused) or in an idle state (with nothing to do). Indeed, memory itself does not know when it should start to review what has been learned before it is completely forgotten.

Memory does decay
From the microbiological point of view, our brain is made from a mesh of organic dendrites. Information is transmitted by dendritic cross-linking and stored in some specific areas. Unlike a computer, human memory is not forever. It decays gradually as time goes on. For different people, memory decay characteristics are very different, and any attempt to achieve a uniform education is in vain.

Three types of memory
To be encoded as a memory by brain cells, the information must first enter the brain. There are three main ways information can do this: from HEARING, from SEEING and from DOING. Smart learners always use all of the three memory skills.

Keys to Remember

1. Concentration
   Focus is a "must" for active learning. It is better to spend just half an hour with the mind concentrating on the subject than to spend two hours without a focused mind.
   
2. Timely rehearsal
   Perhaps the most effective way to remember is by repetition. Through repeated practices, more and more neuro-networks in the human brain get connected and information is then permanently encoded in the brain.
   
3. Three-way learning
   Create a learning environment utilizing visual, auditory, and kinesthetic memories.
   
4. Use mnemonics
   Some of the most popular mnemonics are peg words, loci, first-letters, and keywords. A comprehensive review for Memory Enhancement in Language Learning has been described by Sharifian in his recent article.
   
5. Mind Relaxation
   A stressed brain never remembers well. A prerequisite for a better memory is to have it fully relaxed. There are various ways to relax the brain:
6. Periodically break
   Do not overstress your brain: to periodically take a break is to "lose a little and gain a lot."
7. Listen to soft music
   Soft music can relax your brain and thus help you remember things more effectively.
8. Mind/body exercise
   Mind/body exercises can shift tremendous amounts of energy (blood flow) to your brain and nervous systems, and enable you to use that energy more efficiently. Chinese "Chi Gong" and Indian "Yoga" are ideal methods for mind relaxation.