Could someone tell me what's the best way to learn and remember history?

Question

There are so many dates and names, and so much information to remember. I feel overwhelmed at times. I like history, but I struggle with retaining details, especially dates. Any suggestions? Thanks.

History buffs are especially welcome to answer this questions.

You guys are awesome! It's hard to vote who's the best because they're all very helpful. Thanks!

Answer 1

This question really breaks my heart. History, if taught well, can come alive and be very exciting. And, it is such a valuable part of our lives. It gives us a sense of connection across time, to others who shared this planet. How can anyone not find that amazing.

OK, having said that, try to separate the "school" kind of history study from "history buff" history. They are miles apart. For the "school" kind of history try the same techniques you might use for other rote memorization:

l. notecards (as someone already suggested). Answers on the back. As you learn them set them aside and just carry around the ones you need more time on, and review them until you've got the facts down.

2. mnemonics for lists esp. , rhymes, make up songs, anything that worked in the past for you will work for this.

3. try using time lines with pictures or drawings if you are a visual learner.

4. if you are an auditory kind of learner, try taping the study guides or material to be memorized and play them back when you are doing other tasks.

5. Write your own test questions as you learn the material and repeatedly write the answers, read the answers out loud to yourself. That way you are engaging many senses and it will help.

6. Try working with a study buddy.

7. If you have a younger sibling who enjoys your company (lol) you may want to practise narration. Tell the "story" of the history to them and make it as engaging as you can. Include all the dates and other material giving you fits, but make it fun to listen to. There is an old saying about some learning activities that goes "see, do, teach." You listened to your instructor, you are now teaching yourself a second time, now share what you have learned, and it is more likely to be retained.

But think about what history buffs do. They immerse themselves in the areas of history they love. They look at events from angles most of us would have never considered. They compare and contrast with other historical periods, they participate in encampments and re-enactments, they make it personal and put things into context. Dates and facts are then just as "fresh" as current events are to you now. Ex. 100 yrs from now some student will be struggling to remember the date Sept. 11. You won't . You LIVED it.

Secret: I hated history until I got out of school and really started to learn it!

Good luck.....you have gotten this far, you will be fine.

Answer 2

Try the following:

1. Keep a well organized workbook

2. Do your work every day. Do not fall behind.

3. participate in class discussions.

4.Ask questions when you do not know the answers.

5. Ask the question to your History teacher.

6. Spend some extra time studying.

7. Read some history books.

8. Become familiar with current events.

9. Understand the errors that you made on tests.

10. Learn the history vocabulary. Make sure that you know all the terms.

11. In your textbook pay particular attention to the first sentence in each paragraph. underlined or words in a different color.

12. Look for relationships between each subtopic in the chapter and the title of the chapter.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I'm not a history buff. In fact, I always had trouble with history, until there came a time when I ran out of bedtime stories for my little brother (he wants a different story every time).

I started telling him my history lessons, but of course I had to make it interesting for him. What happened was when I began looking at history as a story of the past, it came alive for me. Names come with the story, and we find that if we like a particular story, we can remember the names of the people in it, right? So I made less mistakes with names. So the only thing that needs to be memorized are those dates. I still had to memorize those, but it made the job easier because I can see History like a movie in my mind.

Once we can see things in context, and we know what happens after what, and how many years it took and all that, even memorizing the dates became easier.

After all, what is history other than true tales from the past?

Answer 4

There are four keys to remembering historical information:

1) See the big picture.
2) Put things in context.
3) Make connections.
4) Ask why it matters.

If you get bogged down in specifics, such as names and dates, you will experience information overload. Of course, it is important to get your centuries right, and to know very important dates, such as 1066 (the Norman Conquest) or 1492 (Columbus' discovery of the New World).

Focus instead on what was happening generally during a given time period, why it was important at the time, what consquences it had, and why it is important now. Make connections between what happened then, what happened afterward, and how it shaped the world as we know it today.

That way, what you learn won't just be "ancient history", dry as dust and just as dead. It will be truly modern history, exciting and alive.

Answer 5

Read a biography or some historical fiction of an important person from the time period you are studying. The story will come to life in a way you will never forget, and the dates and events will be as easy to remember as the plot of a good novel.

Answer 6

Here's an idea; GO to your History teacher & ask her/him if there are any MOVIES about the particular period you're studying about. Not only should most of the Information you're looking for be IN those movies- but it SHOULD make them MUCH more interesting to learn! Good luck! :)

Answer 7

History, one of my favourite subjects, how to remember dates etc.,

by rote, my friend, by rote

but seriously look for a period of history that fascinates you and become totally au fait with it .. then relate it to other parts of history .. example: I love Egyptian history, which involves, the Romans, The Greeks etc., etc., and as you read it will arouse your curiosity as to why, where and how people did things .. good luck .. you will find it great stuff and worth some points in trivial pursuit

Answer 8

Have you tried using Flash Cards? There is a GREAT program out there called MemorizeIT - I think they have a 15 day trial. I use them every time I have to take a test. They Work.

Answer 9

sing a song while reading the pages.. or you can write down

who
what
why
when
where of each page you read.

Answer 10

through comic books where you wont realise it.