Attention: the first step of memory — Memory techniques for students

Memory tip

You keep what you notice — “attention comes before memory”

1. Helps attention: phone in another room, one task at a time, a clear, tidy desk, eyes on the speaker, notes while listening.
2. Breaks attention: TV on while studying, checking messages, three tasks at once, chatting in class, scrolling while reading.
3. Mind wandering? Note the thought down to “park” it, then go back to your work.

Use it for: Class lessons, homework, reading a chapter and listening to instructions.

Worked example: 👀 Does this help attention or break it: studying half-asleep? → breaks attention

✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

🏁 Lesson 2 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 👀 Focus Finder badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 6 lessons of Part 1 · How memory works. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Memory Techniques Worksheet: Attention and Focus

• Worksheet set 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 3 (PDF)