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Got an overwhelming list of countries and capitals to learn before a test? Memorization is far less painful when your studying is experiential. Instead of asking a friend or family member to quiz you with flash cards, take yourself on a virtual trip across the landscape you are researching. You'll have a lot more fun and your newfound knowledge won't soon be forgotten.

Start by enlisting the help of your right brain by creating a visual study aid by hand. Recreate a map of the region and label its parts accordingly. You can draw your map free-hand or by tracing. The important thing is to engage more than just the left brain's talent for facts and figures. Use colored pencils and markers and make sure your project is large enough so that the details can be seen clearly. You'll also want to have some extra space for adding pertinent information as you go along. Recreating the region of interest by hand reinforces the physical locations in relationship to one another.

Your next step is to give these places context and meaning. Is there a story behind the names of the cities, states, and countries? Look up the origins of the founders and note the connections between landscape (topography) and naming. Write these down on your map. Then use this information to do an internet search for dramatic events in history. If there is a particular aspect of history that excites you, let it be your "narrative trajectory". This can be as specific as famous works of art and literature or as general as military history. How about studying the celebrity culture of your regions by identifying their notorious figures? Or the flora and fauna. Or folklore. We remember best when we're investigating things that are personally relevant to us in some way. Let your natural curiosity take the lead.

If you're interested in the development of culture, you may want to begin developing a timeline to use with your map. Make your timeline on a long piece of butcher's paper. This is an excellent way to incorporate the study of history, especially if you are using historical events in your map. Include in each section of your timeline a small sketch of the geographical place. List the facts you find most fascinating. Print, cut and paste images from the internet.

Utilize online resources to find glossaries, games, quizzes, photos, language translation, and even make contact with other students who reside in the places you are learning about. Some excellent places to visit online are Google Earth, Atlapedia Online, National Geographic, Babel Fish, and Enchanted Learning. Many sites have interactive maps and activities. Approach your project as if you were researching for a vacation to that region.

If you already have a passion for foreign culture and travel, you're likely to make new friends and travel plans. You'll definitely develop a strong sense of place, learn far outside the scope of your assignment, and have plenty to share in casual conversation. You'll also pass your geography tests without the torturous repetition of flash cards. Safe travel!

Learn more about this author, Lisa Benjamin.
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