What role does memory play in learning?
What we need to know about memory: Immediate memory Short term memory Long term memory The memory storage and retrieval process Anxiety gets in the way of memory Memory techniques
1. Immediate (Sensory) Memory You can repeat it only immediately after perceiving it Immediate memory is used when reading to recall what happens sentence by sentence Information in immediate memory fades very quickly (lasts only a few seconds). Immediate memory is not affected much by age
2. Short Term Memory After the information is taken in by the senses, it is either forgotten or moves to short term memory Understand the information first! Limited capacity/seven pieces of information Duration is from 3-20 seconds After entering sensory memory – limited amount of information goes to short term memory
Short term memory has three basic operations: Iconic memory – hold visual images Acoustic memory – hold sounds (held longer than iconic memory) Working memory – ACTIVE PROCESS – holds until you put it to use (phone number) The goal is to move meaningful information from STM to LTM
3. Long Term Memory Information can be stored for extended periods of time It’s limits are unknown – infinite Memory is stored in schema’s – organizational structure LTM affects our perceptions of the world – our prior knowledge affects how we perceive sensory information Rehearsal is essential to move information from STM to LTM… let’s see how that happens:
4. Memory Storage System: An information processing model The Information Processing Model
5. The Role of Anxiety in Memory Anxiety soaks up working memory Anxiety makes it difficult to hold new information Intrusive worries temporarily disrupt mental process needed for doing college work and drag down competence (www.sciencenews.org/articles/2001 0630/fob4.asp)
How Does Anxiety Affect Brain Functioning Anxiety uses-up working memory in the brain Keeps brain in fight/flight mode Slows processing time Sometimes stops “emotional center” of brain from communicating with the “storage center” of brain
The point is…..we need to reduce the anxiety in order to access the memory!
YOU CAN REDUCE ANXIETY BY USING A VARIETY OF RELAXATION TECHNIQUES, SUCH AS….. Exercise Breathing exercises Muscle relaxation Meditation Humor Self hypnosis Use visualization Positive thinking
6. Memory Techniques FLASH CARDS: Create flash cards for quick rehearsal Write a definition on one side, and the word on the other Write the word on one side, and the definition on the other This technique is great for visual learners
Visualization: Use your imagination to come up with visual images to provide cues Make your images memorable – maybe ridiculous! Substitute or combine objects; exaggerate their features
Associations: Associate your new information with information you have learned before Associate the information with something you are interested in One idea reminds you of another Connect the information with something now familiar to you Chunk the information into groups
Mnemonic Devices: Memory tricks to help you retain information – for rote memorization Rhythm and rhyme (learned Mississippi w/use of rhythm) Acronyms – words formed by the first letter in a series of other words Grouping – group long lists of names/numbers Create songs Can be visual or text based
Mind Maps: A mind map is a visual depiction of an idea and/or group of information. The central idea is placed in the middle (perhaps with a picture) The supporting ideas are all connected to the central idea by lines (and perhaps with pictures)
Drawings or Diagrams: Draw pictures of comparisons Use arrows and lines to make diagrams Even circles will work This is similar to a mind map, but more linear; one idea follows another
In conclusion…. Understand that moving information from short term memory to long term memory requires an action from you! Use the memory techniques that work for YOU to move information from STM to LTM. Recognize that we must reduce the anxiety in order to access our memory!