Love your blog! I'm an infj, taking heavy bio-chem courses, I'm REALLY struggling with memorizing all the material for my exams, and applying concepts. Can you please do the best ways to study for your type. And how not to study. Thank you!
Thanks. I’ll try to do some research into that. In the mean time, I can offer some general suggestions. I used to be a teacher so you’re in luck. ;)
INFJs learn best when they are able to connect data/details to a larger framework of understanding. This “big picture” view imposes more “order” on the information. So, use a top-down, rather than a bottom-up method. For example: grasp the general structure of a book or chapter by reading the titles, headings, and summaries first before you dive into actual reading. That way, you know what is coming and why. INFJs need to know how bits of data connect together into a larger whole. You need to ORGANIZE the information in a way that is meaningful to you and then it is more memorable.
In terms of memorization, it is a bit of a weakness for INFJs because they usually learn by grasping the gist of things and then they work out the details later. Memorization is really just about rote repetition, which is tedious but necessary work.
It helps to add some contextual cues, such as always using a particular type/style/color of paper/pen for each section or topic. Those kinds of physical cues can help you recall the information better. Diagramming information in pictures, charts, or graphs helps. Also, just writing out your notes many, many times is a good strategy, though it’s hard on the hands. When it comes to memory, you want to form as many paths to that information as possible, so that when one path fails, another one is available.
This is true for every type: Never leave memorization until the last minute. Memory “imprints” need time to form and deepen in the brain. So you need to review something repeatedly, over a longer period of time, like once a day or once a week/month depending on the situation. Over time, you’ll find you spend less and less time reviewing because it’s getting deeper into your mind. So put your planning skills to work and manage your time well and don’t procrastinate! (which is something INFJs are prone to doing due to being perfectionists) Give yourself plenty of time when it comes to memorization work.
