I have a good memory, but a bad understanding when it comes to information in books.?

Question

Whenever I have a test or something in class I can easily remember the material so I can get a passing grade on the test, but now that I am in college and am paying good money for it, I want to start understanding. So I wanted to know if anyone had any advice they could give me on how to better my understanding of subjects, or if you know of any websites that has information like that on it I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

It might be a good idea to get together with a few friends who are taking one or more of the subjects you are. Rather than holding a study group, you could meet up and discuss lectures, topics and throw around ideas.

I think it's important that this group meet without a specific goal in mind. Any aims/goals will probably push you back into just memorising information, whereas an informal discussion (without taking notes) would stimulate your mind and deepen your understanding of the subject(s).

I was the same in primary and high school (in just memorising the info). When there's no pressure on you to "get it right", you'll find it easier to understand your subject and also that you probably understood more in the past than you've given yourself credit for.

That's just an idea; good luck at any rate.

Answer 2

I couldn't find any good websites.
It's difficult to define understanding, let alone tell someone how to "get it."
But here are some suggestions.
Invest yourself in your subjects, meaning make them yours, get really interested, so that you think about them when you don't need to (that is, frequently). Love your subjects, make them companions.
Ask lots of questions. Why did he do that? What caused that, was it the rebellion, or the flood? What caused the change? And on and on.
You are waiting for a moment of insight, when the light bulb goes off in your head, and suddenly you say, "Oh , now I get it." Such moments can be powerful, life-changing.
Often it helps to take a result and trace it backwards asking what led to this, and what led to that before--chain-link, cause and effect thinking.
Analyze, write down everything you can think about or notice or observe in your subject, and then think about it all.
Best wishes.

Answer 3

The only website I can think of that 'may' be able to help you is the Library of Congress' website at: loc.gov where you can post questions you have to the Librarian and receive cognitive answers. Hope this works for you.