Question about memory

<p>Not sure if it is considered a learning disability or not. But I have terrible memory when reading for school. After reading a few short pages, I am rarely able to recall what I just read in terms of facts and definitions. I can normally see the big picture in what I am reading, but no matter how hard I try, my memory automatically ignores the core details. And this has always been a big problem in school for me, seeing as how most test ARE on facts and definitions. I can study vocab words, facts etc for hours, but for some reason once the test is in front of me, I draw blanks. Also important to add, if I read for longer than an hour I start to get headaches is that normal?</p>

<p>Anyone else seem to have similar problems?</p>

<p>I’m kind of fascinated with this topic too, and sometimes I feel just the same way. I am also interested in how some people’s mind’s work who are extremely good at remembering things. Like today we were talking about shrek, and it seemed like the smart people just knew all the funny scenes from heart. All I could remember about the movie was that I liked it, so I kept silent for most of this part. </p>

<p>I have another similar problem like yours but in math: I would know how the main idea would work, but the details ALWAYS screw me over.</p>

<p>Well maybe you are not interested in the material you read? do you have a short tension span? I usually read three pages as well and forget what I am reading, I usually start thinking about other things and cannot concentrate. If this is like a lot of material you should go to your doctor and get checked for ADHD. </p>

<p>Or if you want to try and read do this. Try reading one paragraph and askin yourself what you just read. Cause usually you can read three pages then realize you are not even paying attention to the material. You can also try to write the main ideas of each paragraph so if you are reading and forget you know where the story is at. Try it out, I usually have trouble reading things i am no or little interest in. Some people go to their doctors and realize they need something to get them focused and that usually leads to meds, but i recommend not going to that stage because your body will experience new things and you might get used to it.
Best thing is to tell yourself you can do this, another things is picture the story or material you are reading in your head, each character could be someone you know. Just another tip in concentrating in your reading</p>

<p>“Also important to add, if I read for longer than an hour I start to get headaches is that normal?”</p>

<p>No this is not normal. There could be vision problem here, a lighting problem, a processing (brain) issue, or even something wrong with your body position while you are reading. Definitely talk to your physician about this one.</p>

<p>As for comprehension, we can read all we want, but if it isn’t in a context that is meaningful, we aren’t going to learn any of it. Try to stop every page or so and write a couple of notes about what you’ve just read. Tie the information to something else earlier on in the reading, or to something you have done in class or learned in your life. This will help you start to get a better handle on things. Little breaks like this will also mean that you aren’t reading so long at one stretch that you get a headache.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>