What can be done to improve memory?

Question

Books

Hello.
I noticed the following: six months ago, the Shannon and Hartley formulas were passed in the discipline "theoretical computer science". Recently, a work task related to them was formed, I decided to remember, but the attempt found failure. Only Google helped, of course, the memory of the material happened much faster than when studying.
Why did you lose information in your head? If after memorization it is not used, then it is completely "eroded" from the "cache" of memory? Then it is transferred to storage like a hard disk, and after a certain time period and not being used, is it completely removed from our memory?
What would you recommend to improve memory? I remember quickly large volumes, but just as quickly I forget if I do not use the information.

Answer 1

The answer is already in your question:
If you do not use information, then it goes from short-term to long-term. Accordingly, it is more difficult to obtain information from a long-term one, but (!) It is stored there for an unlimited time. This is a big plus. In the end, everything rests not on improving memory or trying to drive as much information as possible into short-term memory - this is useless. It is necessary to strengthen associative links in long-term memory in order to simplify the process of information withdrawal.
When I needed to remember all the dates in history for the exam, I came across an interesting material: read. With repetition, you can strengthen connections. Moreover, the longer the interval between repetitions, the stronger the connections become. Ideally, you should use your own association systems. This will help to save large arrays of loosely coupled data.
PS By myself, I noticed that you can only develop the ability to quickly enter information into short-term memory. And just as quickly, she disappears from there. Only repetitions help with long-term work, I have not met workarounds.

Answer 2

You don't remember everything and everything, just what you use. For the rest, the brain leaves only labels, so that later it can be Googled :)

Answer 3

+ Plus
BloodyHistory
From myself: Memorizing new information, make " memory maps " manually or using xmind software . After that, periodically (after 2 days, 4 days, 8 ... etc.) refresh your memory by "reading" your cards, stick to your schedule. If after 5-6 repetitions there are no noticeable gaps in knowledge, you can assume that the information has already been firmly imprinted in your head.