The Brain, Learning, and Memory Key: AWL to Study, Low-frequency Vocabulary What is the connection between the brain, learning, and memory?

Learning and Memory Learning  modification in behavior due to an increase in knowledge or skills Memory  ability to recall information and experiences How have the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired modified your behavior?

Learning and Memory Linked Learning relies on memory.  Learning requires the storage and retrieval of information. Memory relies on learning.  An individual’s established knowledge base provides a structure of past learning.  Incoming data attaches to that structure though association. Explain how you have learned something by associating it with what you already knew.

Breakthroughs in Brain Research Use brain imagining techniques  to clarify the process of memory and learning.  to provide educators and students with academic study skill strategies. How do you think brain imaging techniques might clarify the processes of learning and memory?

Three Stages of Memory Sensory, short-term, and long-term memory Sensory memory  visual, auditory, and olfactory information  transfers to short-term memory Short-term memory  stores seven single or chunked items for 30 seconds without repetition  solves problems through reasoning process (example: organizing facts into a coherent essay) What is the difference between sensory memory and short-term memory?

The ability to transfer information from short- to long- term memory is relevant to the learning process.  People use attention, repetition, and association with past learning to encode information.  Neurologically, encoding happens when information is repeatedly processed in the hippocampus. Long-term Memory How do you encode information into long-term memory?

Relationship of incoming data to pre-existing mental frameworks  The more associations made with established learning, the better new information is retained. Memories are not stored in a single location.  They are complex neuronal networks spread through the brain’s entire surface. Critical Factor in Encoding What is the most important factor in the transfer of information from short- to long-term memory?

Research-based Study Techniques Access background knowledge on a topic.  This primes the brain to make associations. Pose mental questions while learning.  Compare and contrast new information with your current understanding. Classify and categorize.  facilitates retention because it involves making connections Grasp overall concept to fit in details.  Selectively highlight information.  Take notes on main ideas.  Outline and summarize. Have you used these techniques?

Encoding does not ensure retention.  80% of learning is forgotten within 48 hours. Need to activate storage and retrieval processes:  Review: retrieval of information temporarily copies it into working memory for further processing in hippocampus.  REM sleep: memories are replayed and reinforced in hippocampus. Retention Explain two ways to help the brain retain information.

Ebbinghaus: Optimal Review Preliminary review  new learning peaks after 10 minutes Subsequent study  at one-day, one-week, one-month, and six-month intervals  Permanent memory traces are stored where sensory inputs first occurred.  They are connected in neuronal networks. How can what you’ve learned in this presentation help you in your TOEFL study?