MEMORY TECHNIQUES Ways to Improve Your Memory Capabilities

There are 2 distinct types of memory – each uses different parts of the brain : 1. Procedural Memory : skills and habits that have been practiced to the point where they are automatic and unconscious eg. Typing, tying shoes, riding a bike 2. Declarative Memory: Our general knowledge and our life experiences that we can declare or recall consciously

How to remember for each type of memory?? Procedural – rote rehearsal works best… much repetition is needed Declarative – elaborative rehearsal (linking new info to something we already know) for example: Using metaphors and analogies Using personal life examples eg. think of some declarative and procedural memories of your own

Consolidation is essential for transfer of learning Consolidation – moving a memory over time from working (short-term) memory to long term memory New info is not “fixed” the moment it is processed – takes time to “gel” or consolidate Learning occurs best when new info is incorporated GRADUALLY into memory over spaced intervals rather than cramming it all in at one sitting

Effective Rehearsal: The more the info is linked to previous learning, the stronger the memory The more modalities used to rehearse, the more paths you have for retrieval of the memory – so…. “write about it, talk about it, act it out”

Learn from the general to the specific Skim the material before you read to get an overview of what you will be learning Many students dive right in and tackle details, trying to memorize those before seeing the “big picture” Think of viewing a huge mural style of painting…

Make it meaningful Think of packing a parachute – would you pay attention? If it means something to you, you’re more likely to be involved in the learning…. How? Find an experience you’ve already had and “hook” the information to it (hook info to an existing network of neurons) Or, create a new experience with the new information

Create associations between what you’re learning and what you already know Recalling new (or old) information is easier if it’s stored in your brain near something you already know – (my personal muscle memory story) For example, if you meet someone named Greg, think of someone you already know with the same name, to help the name stick

If you can’t remember it, remember something else When you are stuck and can’t remember something you know you know, remember something else that is related to it. Aunt – uncle, facts – examples

Learn actively People remember:90% of what they do 75% of what they see 20% of what they hear Stand up Sit on the edge of your seat Walk around and recite what you’re learning

Relax Have you ever forgotten all you knew when tense? Relaxation helps recall and learning When we are scared or too anxious, we forget

Create Pix Draw diagrams, cartoons, flowcharts Visual information is associated with a different part of the brain than verbal information. There is a better chance of recall when information is stored in two parts of the brain rather than just one. ATOMS protonselectronsneutrons

Graphic organizers can be used to arrange the information in a useful and meaningful way. Creating these while you study is very helpful in internalizing the content. Following are some examples:

Hierarchy

Double cell diagram For comparing and contrasting

Concept map

Comparison Matrix

Recite and Repeat …out loud. 2 different senses will anchor the concept Physical sensation of speaking (throat, lips, tongue) Auditory component as well Best if in your OWN WORDS – this forces you to think about it

Write it down (even if you never look at it) Writing engages a different kind of memory than speaking. It prompts us to be more logical, coherent, & complete. Written reviews reveal gaps that mental reviews miss Can be a good way to prepare for tests (which are usually written, not oral)

Reduce interference…. Turn off the stereo and tv when you study. If it’s noisy at home, go to the library to study. 2 hours with TV = 10 minutes without

OVERLEARN Don’t stop when you think you know it well enough to pass the test. Especially with problem solving, this has been shown to work Do assignment, then look for more similar questions Make up your own questions and answer them

Study during daylight hours (more effective) If you think the subject is boring, remember that everything is related to everything else. Look for connections Distribute learning – you can benefit much more from three 2-hour study sessions than in one 6-hour session

Use it or lose it To remember something, access it often. Each time you use that pathway, it becomes stronger and will be easier to recall that content later on. Teach it to someone else