Studying with images: a very effective study technique

Studying with images allows us to associate complex concepts with simple visual representations and get great grades on exams.

The usefulness of visual association

We all understand that, if we are studying, for example, the bones of the human body, it is logical that we do it using images that will allow us to identify them and not just memorizing a list of 206 elements. However, when we are studying broader or more abstract concepts, we rarely use visual memory and that is a mistake. When we associate an image with a content, it will be easier for us to both remember it and retrieve the memory later. So, why don't we do it more often? Well, that's exactly what we were wondering at eTítulo. Let's fix it! Advantages of studying with images

1. Improved retention: Images are easier to remember than text alone basically because the brain has that language. If we try to think of a wolf, what appears in our mind? The word wolf or the typical wolf in the middle of a mountain landscape? And now, let's think of an abstract concept, what do we «see» when we think of the word revolution? Aren't they letters either?

Our brain creates or records images that it associates with certain concepts and, if we take advantage of this fact to facilitate our study, we will take less time to retain the information and keep it in our long-term memory.

2. Quick retrieval: If we have associated an image with a part of the syllabus, when the time of the exam comes, we will be able to remember the information more easily by evoking the associated images. The more impactful the image or the more vivid and strong that association is, the easier it will be to retrieve it in our memory.

There are people with more visual memory than others, but if we are really bad at it, it won't be a problem either. If it is very difficult for us to evoke the images, we just have to associate each relevant point of the text with an image that we can have in sight during the exam. When studying with images, we must create associations that our mind considers logical, but we can always find them ourselves. Let's see an example: Let's imagine that in the syllabus there is a point that talks about the First World War, which, as we all know, began in the year 1914. From there, we must remember a series of events to answer the exam correctly. One way to associate what we should remember with an accessible image would be to take a photo of our watch at 19:14, print it and study the section on the First World War visually associated with that image. When entering the exam, we just have to set the watch to the correct time and look at it when we need to.

3. Stimulated creativity: Studying with images fosters creativity by allowing us to create unique visual representations for each concept. We should not be afraid to be very creative or to experiment with different images for each study topic. The more «ours» the association is, the more it will be engraved in our memory.


4. Deep understanding: By associating abstract concepts with concrete images, we can develop a deeper understanding of the subject, because it will allow us to connect the concepts with each other and build a solid knowledge base.

How to implement the technique of studying with images

1. Choose meaningful images: We can't rush. We must take the time to select images that are relevant and meaningful to us. The more personal the association is, the more effective the technique will be.


2. Create vivid associations: If they can't be images that are relevant on a personal level, what we must do is make sure that the chosen images are visually impactful and easy to remember. The more vivid they are, the better.


3. Organize the study material: Using digital or physical tools to organize the images and associations will help us easily access the information when we need it and keep a clear track of our progress. Chaos doesn't help with studying.


4. Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to mastering this technique and making it take less and less time and effort. If we get used to studying with images, we will soon see an improvement in our ability to retain and retrieve information.

Studying with images is a powerful study technique that can transform our learning experience, reduce study time, and make our grades soar. So the next time you find yourself studying, don't forget to give images a chance!