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The Memory Course

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 44 ratings
see reviews
Kim Debling

[Update April 18 from Kim: In an effort to give full disclosure to future students I'd like to let you know that I'm undergoing treatment for Stage 4 Lymphoma. I hope and aim to make a full recovery by next year. This means I'm not able to participate as an instructor as much as I'd like to but students have excellent reviews of my courses and ask surprisingly few questions - I hope that means that my courses are complete enough without needing lots of clarification. Please remember there is a money back guarantee so if you purchase my course then decide you would need more instructor input you can utilise that feature. So remember life is short - take the course - learn the skills - make the move - do the thing - eat the cake - and remember to always check that what you are doing makes you happy. ]

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[Update April 18 from Kim: In an effort to give full disclosure to future students I'd like to let you know that I'm undergoing treatment for Stage 4 Lymphoma. I hope and aim to make a full recovery by next year. This means I'm not able to participate as an instructor as much as I'd like to but students have excellent reviews of my courses and ask surprisingly few questions - I hope that means that my courses are complete enough without needing lots of clarification. Please remember there is a money back guarantee so if you purchase my course then decide you would need more instructor input you can utilise that feature. So remember life is short - take the course - learn the skills - make the move - do the thing - eat the cake - and remember to always check that what you are doing makes you happy. ]

The Memory Palace technique, AKA the Method of Loci is a very powerful tool for us mortal humans to learn vast amounts of facts, figures, lists and words that seem impossible. This course guides you to be able to use the Method of Loci by building your own imaginary journey and associating memorable images with each place.

You don't need to have an amazing memory like Rain Man and you don't need to take hours reciting - you just need the ability to visualise and the willingness to learn.

We'll actually apply the method by memorising Asia's countries and their capitals in alphabetical order. At the end you'll be able to reel off the countries and their capitals forwards, and often backwards too. You'll know that Azerbaijan's capital is Baku and that South Korea's capital is Seoul - without Googling it.

We'll look at applying this method to anything you want to memorise in the future, and discuss how creating a memorised list becomes a 'frame' that future learning can be built upon - memorising a structure within a subject makes learning the rest of that subject easier and more interesting.

I've built this course using pictures and occasional animations to help the memorable visualisations stick in your head easier, and I've provided links to supplementary information should you wish to further your learning both for the geography element and the Method of Loci technique, BUT I've deliberately kept the course quite short in time - I want you to see how quickly you can memorise things and I want you to have more time to go out afterwards and apply your new memorising technique.

Heres the course outline:

  1. Introduction
  2. Discuss the Method of Loci
  3. Lets create our first Memory Palace journey
  4. Mapping out our journey (you will need paper and pens)
  5. Asia - Afghanistan to Indonesia
  6. Recap
  7. Asia - Iran to North Korea
  8. Recap
  9. Test yourself
  10. Create an additional stage to our Memory Palace journey
  11. Asia - South Korea to Pakistan
  12. Recap
  13. Test yourself
  14. Asia - Philippines to Saudi Arabia
  15. Create the last stage to this Memory Palace Journey
  16. Asia - Singapore to Yemen
  17. Recap
  18. Test Yourself
  19. Using your new memorised information as a frame for learning
  20. Creating more Memory Palace journeys

I can't wait to help you to learn this amazing, powerful technique. It will change your life.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Recite asia's countries and capitals in alphabetical order
  • Apply the method of loci technique to memorise lists

Syllabus

Students will know a little more about the Method of Loci, and will have created their first memory journey frame.

Welcome to the course! This introduces the course, what students need and some caveats, please take this course in order as it is very important - especially when we get to memorising our journey..

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This describes how we use an imagined journey, with defined steps to memorise anything we want. We visualise people, items, actions or a combination of all three into steps of our journey. This is called the Method of Loci.

Here we learn what sort of journey we need to create and what we need to consider for that journey. Students should think up a 20 step journey that they know really well before moving on with the course.

Take the time to put down your journey on paper - this will make it easier to follow the subsequent steps when we learn Asia's countries and their capitals. Draw your map and route in one colour then add the numbers in another if you can - it will make it easier to follow your steps later.

Do not pass this note until you have created your 20 step journey and have drawn it out!

One last thing before we start...

We memorise the first 4 countries - Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Bahrain.

Memorising Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia and China.

Memorising Cyprus, Georgia, India and Indonesia.

Recap the countries and capitals we've memorised so far - make sure you're happy with these before moving on. Why not try to anticipate the next country before it appears? You can mute your computer to test yourself out!

Memorising Iran, Iraq and Israel.

Memorising Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan and North Korea.

Our second recap - students check their recall and discover how to solve problems remembering tough countries.

Students can test themselves using this presentation - just guess the next country & capital before clicking forward.

Students create and draw a new journey and discover how to link their journeys together.

Memorising South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan and Laos.

Memorising Myanmar (Bhurma), Nepal, Oman and Pakistan.

Our third recap points out where our countries are on a map of Asia, whilst recalling each country that we've memorised so far.

Memorising Philippines, Qatar, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Time for students to add the final section of journey to their brains, ready to memorise the last countries.

Memorising Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria and Tajikistan.

Memorising Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey and Turkmenistan.

Memorising the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.

The final recap prior to our last test yourself lecture.

Use your memorised list as a frame for learning - building knowledge into your visualisation journey can come naturally, but knowing how to add to it is also a skill you should learn.

We recap the memory palace technique process so that students can reuse their new skills to memorise new lists, plus adds a few tips for making your process easy and fun. Why not try to apply the technique on your own to a new list right away?

This final lecture congratulates the students for reaching this point and for memorising all of Asia's countries and capitals. A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who has taken my course!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Applies the Method of Loci by memorizing Asian countries and their capitals, providing a practical demonstration of the technique's effectiveness
Requires learners to create a physical map of their memory journey, which may require access to paper and pens not readily available to all students
Explores how a memorized list becomes a frame for future learning, which can make learning other subjects easier and more interesting
Uses pictures and animations to help visualisations stick in the head easier, which can be helpful for visual learners
Requires students to take the course in order, which may not suit learners who prefer to jump between topics
Keeps the course short in time, which allows learners to quickly see how fast they can memorize things and apply their new technique

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Memory technique with practical application

According to learners, this course offers a clear explanation of the Method of Loci, a powerful memory technique. Students say the step-by-step structure makes it easy to follow, and the practical application using Asia's countries and capitals provides a concrete example that proves the technique works. While the course aims to be concise, learners note that success requires personal effort and consistent practice in building your own memory palace and visualizing. The course uses geography as the main example but teaches skills applicable to other lists. Prospective students should be aware that instructor support may be limited.
Success relies heavily on student practice.
"This isn't a passive course; you really need to put in the work."
"You have to practice building your palace and creating images."
"Success depends on your willingness to actively engage with the material."
Lessons are logical and easy to follow.
"The course structure is very logical, building step by step."
"Lessons are bite-sized and easy to digest."
"I liked the pace; it wasn't rushed but kept moving."
Uses concrete example to apply skill.
"Applying the technique to Asia's countries and capitals was a great way to practice."
"I actually memorized the list! It proves the technique works."
"Using geography gave me a tangible goal for learning the method."
Teaches Method of Loci effectively.
"The course explained the Method of Loci clearly and simply."
"I finally understood how the Memory Palace works thanks to this course."
"The step-by-step breakdown made this complex idea accessible."
Instructor support may be restricted.
"The note about the instructor's health indicates limited interaction."
"Don't expect much personal help from the instructor right now."
"Good course, but lack of direct instructor Q&A is a drawback."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Memory Course with these activities:
Moonwalking with Einstein
Provide a broader understanding of memory techniques and their applications.
View The Explorer's Library: Books That Inspire... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Moonwalking with Einstein'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the Method of Loci and other mnemonic techniques.
  • Reflect on how the book's insights can enhance your memory palace creation and usage.
Review World Geography
Strengthen your foundational knowledge of world geography, particularly focusing on Asia, to better contextualize the memorization exercises.
Show steps
  • Review maps of Asia, identifying major countries and their locations.
  • Create flashcards with country names on one side and capitals on the other.
  • Test yourself on the countries and capitals of Asia.
Create a Visual Memory Palace Guide
Solidify your understanding of the Method of Loci by creating a visual guide that explains the technique and provides examples.
Show steps
  • Outline the key concepts of the Method of Loci.
  • Create visuals (diagrams, illustrations) to explain each concept.
  • Write clear and concise descriptions for each visual.
  • Compile the visuals and descriptions into a guide.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Daily Recall Practice
Reinforce your memorization skills through daily practice sessions, focusing on recalling the countries and capitals of Asia.
Show steps
  • Set aside 30 minutes each day for recall practice.
  • Use your memory palace to recall the countries and capitals of Asia.
  • Identify areas where recall is weak and focus on those areas.
Unlimited Memory
Learn additional memory techniques and strategies to enhance your memory skills.
View Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Unlimited Memory'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the memory techniques and strategies.
  • Apply the techniques and strategies to your memory palace creation and usage.
Memorize a Deck of Cards
Challenge yourself by applying the Method of Loci to memorize a deck of cards, further developing your memory skills.
Show steps
  • Develop a system for associating images with each card.
  • Create a memory palace with 52 locations.
  • Associate each card with a location in your memory palace.
  • Practice recalling the order of the cards.
Share Your Memory Palace
Deepen your understanding by explaining your memory palace and memorization process to others.
Show steps
  • Prepare a presentation or write a blog post about your memory palace.
  • Describe the locations in your memory palace and why you chose them.
  • Explain how you associate information with each location.
  • Share your presentation or blog post with others.

Career center

Learners who complete The Memory Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pharmacist
As a pharmacist, you dispense medications and counsel patients on their proper usage, so you can benefit from a course like this one. The ability to quickly recall drug names, dosages, and potential interactions is crucial for patient safety. This course can help pharmacists memorize vast amounts of pharmaceutical information. The Method of Loci can be employed to create a memory palace, allowing pharmacists to recall and apply information safely and effectively. The course's emphasis on memorizing lists and creating memorable images can be used to retain critical medication details.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist
Physician
A physician needs to retain a vast amount of medical information, including diagnoses, treatments, and anatomical details. The Method of Loci, which this course teaches, can be employed to create mental frameworks for organizing and recalling critical medical knowledge. By associating symptoms, diagnoses, or treatment options with specific locations in a memory journey, physicians can quickly retrieve and apply information in clinical situations. The course's focus on memorizing lists and structures provides a foundation for managing and retaining the complexities of this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physician
Legal Professional
Legal professionals, such as lawyers and paralegals, require a strong memory for case details, legal precedents, and regulations. The Method of Loci can be used to create memory palaces for different cases or areas of law, with each location holding key facts. The ability to quickly recall information can be a huge advantage in court or when preparing legal documents. Given the course's focus on memorizing lists and structures, legal professionals may find the skills useful for improving their memory and organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Legal Professional
Teacher
Teachers educate students on a variety of subjects. A teacher can memorize lesson plans, student names, and important facts for each subject. The Method of Loci allows a teacher to build a 'memory palace' for each class or subject, associating key points with locations in that palace. The course's focus on memorizing lists and using visual aids can be directly applied to teaching strategies, making lessons engaging and memorable for students. Teachers who take this course can improve their ability to recall information and enhance their teaching effectiveness.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Data Scientist
Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract insights and inform decision making. Data Scientists can use this course to memorize statistical formulas, machine learning algorithms, and data structures. The Method of Loci can be employed to create a memory palace where each location represents a specific variable, model, or data point, allowing them to recall analyze complex datasets. The course's emphasis on memorizing lists and creating memorable images supports the retention and recall of critical data points, improving their ability to interpret and communicate findings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. Software engineers can use the Method of Loci, taught in this course, to memorize algorithms, code structures, and system architectures. By creating a memory palace where each location represents a specific component or module, Software Engineers can easily recall and manipulate complex coding sequences. The course's emphasis on memorizing lists and creating memorable images supports the retention and recall of critical code snippets, making software engineers more efficient and effective problem solvers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Translator
Translators convert written or spoken content from one language to another. They can use this course to memorize vocabulary, grammar rules, and cultural nuances of different languages. The Method of Loci can be applied to associate words and phrases with specific locations in a memory palace, creating a vivid context for each term. The course's emphasis on creating memorable images supports the visualization of language concepts. Learning the Method of Loci and practicing with the examples provided in this course can allow a translator to retain more language information and translate with greater speed and accuracy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Academic Researcher
Academic researchers conduct studies and contribute to their field of expertise, and they can benefit from a course like this one. For example, an academic researcher can use the Method of Loci to memorize relevant literature, experimental data, and key findings. By creating a memory palace where each location represents a specific concept or study, researchers can easily recall and synthesize information. The course's emphasis on memorizing lists and creating memorable images can make researchers more effective at retaining and applying knowledge. This course can boost their efficiency and productivity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher
Detective
A detective investigates crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence. Mastering techniques to improve working memory may be useful for detectives, since they must recall details from crime scenes, interviews, and documents. The Method of Loci can be employed to create a memory palace representing a crime scene, with each location holding specific clues or pieces of evidence. A detective can use this method to organize and recall information, helping them identify inconsistencies and connect the dots to solve cases more effectively. The course's focus on memorizing lists and creating memorable images supports the retention and recall of critical details.
See salaries and explore the career path for Detective
Cryptographer
Cryptographers design and analyze encryption algorithms to secure sensitive information. This course may be useful for cryptographers who need to memorize complex codes, patterns, and keys. The Method of Loci can be employed to create a memory palace where each location represents a specific element of an algorithm or encryption key. This can help cryptographers recall and manipulate complex information, enhancing their ability to develop secure systems. The course's emphasis on memorizing lists and creating memorable images supports the retention and recall of critical details, which is important in their field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer
Market Researcher
Market Researchers analyze consumer behavior and market trends. A Market Researcher can benefit from a course like this one to help them memorize market data, consumer preferences, and competitor information. The Method of Loci can be used to create a memory palace where each location represents a specific market segment or trend, with key details associated with that location. Market researchers can recall information and analyze market dynamics. The course's focus on memorization techniques can be applied to retain a vast amount of information.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and interpret historical events, and this course may be useful for helping them memorize timelines, names, and dates. The Method of Loci can be used to create a memory palace where each location represents a specific period or event, and key details are associated with that location. Historians can use this technique to retain a vast amount of information. The course's emphasis on creating memorable images supports the visualization of historical narratives, allowing historians to recall complex stories and connections more effectively. A Historian may find this course useful in memorizing a large amount of information.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Intelligence Analyst
An intelligence analyst gathers and interprets data to provide insights and assessments, so they can benefit from a course like this one. This course may be useful for helping analysts memorize key facts, figures, and relationships within complex datasets. The Memory Palace technique can be employed to create mental frameworks for organizing and recalling critical information. By associating data points with specific locations in their memory journey, analysts can quickly retrieve and analyze information, enhancing their ability to identify patterns and draw conclusions. The course's focus on memorizing lists and structures provides a foundation for managing and interpreting information in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst
Public Speaker
Public speakers need to deliver engaging and memorable presentations, so they can benefit from a course like this one. A course like this one may be useful for helping speakers memorize key points, quotes, and statistics. The Method of Loci provides a structured approach to remembering the flow of a speech and associating specific details with different points. Speakers can create a memory journey based on the structure of their presentation and use visual cues to recall information, leading to a smoother and more confident delivery. The course's emphasis on creating memorable images to aid recall can be directly applied to crafting impactful speeches that resonate with the audience. A public speaker may find this course very helpful for learning to keep a presentation crisp and on target.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Speaker
Tour Guide
A tour guide brings locations and histories to life for visitors. This course may be useful to tour guides who need to memorize routes, facts, and stories about landmarks. The Method of Loci, as taught in this course, helps build a strong foundation for recalling information quickly and accurately. A tour guide can create a memory palace based on their tour route and associate key facts with each location. Since the course uses countries and capitals as a practical example, guides can apply the same techniques to memorize historical dates, names, and anecdotes related to specific sites. This course helps a tour guide become a more engaging and informative storyteller.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Memory Course.
Cover image
The Explorer's Library
Save
Explores the world of competitive memory and the techniques used by memory champions, including the Method of Loci. It provides a fascinating and accessible introduction to memory techniques, making it a great companion to the course. It offers a broader context and real-world examples of how these techniques can be applied, and popular and engaging read.
The Explorer's Library: Books That Inspire Wonder...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Unlimited Memory
Save
While not solely focused on the Method of Loci, this book provides a comprehensive overview of various memory techniques and learning strategies. It offers practical advice on how to improve memory, focus, and productivity. It can be a valuable resource for students looking to enhance their overall learning abilities.
Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning...
Paperback
$$
Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning...
Kindle Edition
$

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Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
3 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Kim Debling
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Applies the Method of Loci by memorizing Asian countries and their capitals, providing a practical demonstration of the technique's effectiveness
Requires learners to create a physical map of their memory journey, which may require access to paper and pens not readily available to all students
Explores how a memorized list becomes a frame for future learning, which can make learning other subjects easier and more interesting
Uses pictures and animations to help visualisations stick in the head easier, which can be helpful for visual learners
Requires students to take the course in order, which may not suit learners who prefer to jump between topics
Keeps the course short in time, which allows learners to quickly see how fast they can memorize things and apply their new technique
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