Memory Kathleen High

Memory as a Jungle One entrance = A small meadow Millions of animals pass through

Memory Analogy: Jungle = Long Term Memory Meadow = Short Term Memory Animals = everything you have ever experienced through your senses.

Short-term Memory Example: Remember phone number long enough to dial. Limited capacity Disappears quickly

Long Term Memory Example: Your phone number Allows you to recall information from day to day, week to week. Preview – Survey entire book Keep it short Look for familiar concepts Summaries Chapter headlines/section titles & paragraph headlines Look for recommended readings Determine strategy – skimming or all 9 steps Step 2: Outline Complex – take time to understand Section Titles & paragraphs serve as outline guides Use outline format for you Step 3: Question Before begin – what you want? Write down questions If irrelevant, ask what you want from school (jumping through hoops) Playful/creative questions Lots of time for some subjects

Two Rules About: Short-Term & Long Term Memory Each thought animal must go through the meadow to get into the jungle. Once the animal enters the jungle, it never leaves

Four Visualizations: A well-worn path A herd of thoughts Turning your back You are directing the traffic

#1: A Well-Worn Path Thoughts can wear paths to memory (neural traces). The more well worn the path, the easier it is to find. The more often you recall information, the easier it is to retrieve.

#2: A Heard of Thoughts Thoughts are easier to retrieve if grouped together. Easier to recall if associated with similar items.

Example Psychology & Sociology Communication Economics English & Foreign Languages Geography & Anthropology History Kinesiology Music Philosophy Political Science Theatre

Group These Departments By: Location Type of Discipline Alphabetical

Grouped by: Location Building 94: Building 1: Building 5: Building 24: History Political Science Building 43: Kinesiology & Health Promotion Building 1: Communication Economics Philosophy Building 5: Behavioral Sciences Geography & Anthropology Building 24: English Music

Grouped by: Type of Discipline Social Sciences Psychology & Sociology Communication Economics Geography & Anthropology Kinesiology History Political Science Humanities: English Philosophy Performing Arts: Music Theatre

Grouped by: Alphabetical Communication Economics English & Foreign Languages Geography & Anthropology History Kinesiology Music Philosophy Political Science Psychology & Sociology Theatre

#3 Turning Your Back It is gone!!!! Let the animal go into the jungle, and turn your back on it. Wait 10 seconds - It is gone!!!! Recall: 50% of what we just read 20% 24 hours later (80% is forgotten!)

Solution? Review quickly Do not take your eyes off the animal Wear a path from meadow to jungle immediately

#4: You are Directing the Traffic You are at the entrance You are directing the herds of animals You are taking an active role in the process You are paying attention You take control of your memory

Your turn to teach! 20 Memory Techniques Set a trap for your memory Remembering Names Mnemonic Devices