Introductory Summary

Memorization is a difficult and nerve-wracking exercise, and forgetting memorized information is a painful experience. The Columnar Method, an innovative memorization technique developed by Prof. (Dr.) Santosh K. Shrivastav, is designed to help learners easily and efficiently memorize information, such as vocabulary, numerical data, facts, and figures, with long-term retention.

The author reflected on various real-life memory-related cases and combined findings from psychology and personal experiences to uncover how the brain learns and retains information. The following insights on memory behavior were developed:

1. Relevance: People are more likely to remember information they consider important or beneficial.
2. Repetition: Repeated exposure, such as writing or seeing something multiple times, strengthens memory.
3. Emotional Connection: Associating words with feelings, objects, or situations enhances recall.
4. Focused Goals: Breaking a large task (e.g., learning 3,000 words) into manageable daily goals (e.g., 40 words) helps maintain focus and motivation.
5. Initial Effort: Intensive initial learning ensures stronger and longer-lasting memory retention.

The author conceptualized the Columnar Method based on the above inputs. This method is very effective yet very simple method of memorization and long term retention.

The Columnar Method uses a structured six-column approach according to above referred memory behavior to gradually strengthen memory, ensuring a word or information progresses from fleeting to long-term memory. The author has given convincing feedback about this method from the past candidates who successfully mastered vocabulary and other topics, and competed very well in GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL and other tests