How to remember lectures better

Have you ever sat through an entire lecture, diligently taken notes, and later found that most of it simply didn’t stick? You’re not alone! Retaining information is a challenge for everyone, but what if I told you that by focusing on just three key factors, you could boost your memory and make learning more effective and enjoyable?

Let’s dive into these three powerful memory-enhancing tools: Attention, Repetition, and Emotion — and how they can transform the way you learn.

1. Attention: your brain’s gatekeeper

Think of your brain as a bouncer at a club. It decides which bits of information get past the velvet rope and which are left out in the cold. When you’re paying attention, your brain is essentially giving VIP access to that information, allowing it to be processed and stored.

But here’s the kicker: our attention span is notoriously short — some say even shorter than a goldfish’s. Research suggests that the average adult can only focus for about 8 seconds before getting distracted. That’s right! In the time it took to read this, your brain might already be wandering to what’s for lunch.

To make the most of your attention, eliminate distractions. Easier said than done, right? One simple trick is to practice mindful focus — intentionally zoom in on the task at hand. For example, before starting a study session, set an intention like: “I will focus fully on this topic for the next 25 minutes.” You’d be amazed how much more you’ll remember when your brain knows what’s important!

2. Repetition: The power of practice

Remember that catchy jingle from an old TV commercial that still pops into your head, uninvited, years later? That’s the power of repetition at work.

Our brains thrive on repetition because it strengthens neural connections. Think of it as going to the gym — every time you revisit a piece of information, it’s like doing another rep in your brain’s memory muscles. This is why spaced repetition, revisiting the material over increasing intervals of time, is so effective. It keeps the information fresh without overwhelming you all at once.

Fun fact: the ancient Romans had a method called “memoria technica” where they would associate facts with familiar physical locations. They would mentally walk through their home or city, placing bits of information at different landmarks. When they needed to recall something, they’d simply take a mental stroll and pick up the memories along the way!

While we might not be mentally strolling through ancient Rome, you can use tools like flashcards or spaced repetition apps to get the most out of your study sessions. Review your notes today, next week, and then again next month. You’ll be amazed at how much sticks.

3. Emotion: The glue of memory

Here’s a curious truth: you’re more likely to remember events that are tied to strong emotions. Why? Because emotions act like highlighters for the brain. Think back to your most vivid memories — many of them are probably tied to moments of joy, fear, or surprise.

Our brain’s emotional center, the amygdala, plays a big role in memory formation. When something makes us feel something — whether that’s happiness, anxiety, or excitement — it becomes more memorable.

This is why storytelling is such a powerful educational tool. When you learn through a captivating narrative, especially one that makes you feel connected or curious, you’re engaging the emotional parts of your brain. And once those emotions are involved, the information sticks like glue.

Teachers often use this trick in classrooms — turning dry historical facts into dramatic stories, or relating mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios. You can do the same by connecting what you’re learning to your own experiences or emotions.

For instance, let’s say you’re learning about the French Revolution. Rather than memorizing dry dates and names, imagine what it might have felt like to be part of that tumultuous time. Picture yourself on the streets of Paris, witnessing the storming of the Bastille. Feel the tension, the excitement, the uncertainty. By engaging your emotions, you’ll find that those facts stay with you long after the exam.

Putting it all together

So, how do you combine Attention, Repetition, and Emotion to supercharge your learning?

For example, you can use a service that takes into account all three factors described — Scribeit.

1. Attention & Focus

Scribeit lets you fully concentrate on the material, without worrying about about note-taking. This improves comprehension and assimilation.

2. Repetition & Practice

Studies show that reviewing material soon after learning significantly improves memory retention. Scribeit makes it easy by providing structured quizzes for regular practice and exam preparation without last-minute cramming.

3. Motivation & Emotion

Positive emotions boost memory, which is why we’ve integrated gamified elements into our quiz system. By making learning fun, Scribeit keeps you motivated to engage with your study material consistently.