Lecture 2 Memory “Memory Principles: Part I”

Learning is a very complex process. Before we can remember, we must first understand what we want to remember. 2. Mental processes involve moving info. from short-term to long-term memory & then retrieving that information when it is needed.

Information Processing Chart OUTPUT 1. SENSORY INPUT 2. SHORT- TERM MEMORY 4. FEEDBACK LOOP 3. REHEARSAL PATH 6. LONG-TERM MEMORY RETRIEVAL PATH 5. LONG-TERM MEMORY

1st Principle Twelve Principles to Help Increase Your Memory (this lecture focuses on the first six; as we go through each one, notice that I’ve reddened and underlined the 1st letter of each principle) 1st Principle is Selectivity…choosing what is important to learn Not possible or reasonable to learn every detail or word Reducing amount of information that goes into memory system simplifies the learning process.

2nd Principle is Association…linking two or more items together Memory search involves thinking your way to info. you need by associating or linking ideas together EXAMPLE: Use HOMES to name the 5 Great Lakes (HOMES is known as a mnemonic device or memory trick) H—Huron, O—Ontario, M—Michigan, E—Eerie, S—Superior *As we continue through the 12 Memory Principles, look for a mnemonic we can create from 1st letters.

2nd Principle …continued Another cue is to ask yourself, “What do I already know about this topic?” Link new information with information you already know. After sufficient rehearsal, you will be able to come up with new information whenever you access the old information! You should also do reverse rehearsal: old information new information

Turn to page 5 of your packet, Visualization 3rd Principle is Visualization…the process of making pictures in your mind Info. that is mentally pictured is easier to recall Process can be used for both printed words & picture information *You can add to words, letters, or numbers colors to help yourself visualize them *Visualize vocabulary phrases in form of objects, scenes, or even complete story line sequences Turn to page 5 of your packet, Visualization Exercise.

4th Principle is Effort…motivation & determination are needed throughout info. processing Turn to page 6 of Packet, Memory List exercise. *Taking information in, rehearsing it, and then retrieving it from memory ALL require great EFFORT!!! …which is why you don’t see everyone walking around with college degrees!

concentration enables you to receive sensory input 5th Principle is Concentration…the process of focusing your mind on only 1 task or item Controlling your concentration enables you to receive sensory input and process it more efficiently.

6th Principle is Recitation…the process of verbalizing out loud what you are learning or have already learned 1.Remember to use your own words in complete sentences. 2.Learn to be comfortable with saying new info. out loud. 3.Reciting keeps you actively involved, which equals better learning. 4.Reciting also prepares you for class discussions and tests on the topic. Turn to page 7 of Packet, Recitation exercise.