1. What role does memory play in learning?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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:

7. 4. Memory Storage System: An information processing model
The Information Processing Model
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

8. 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
( 0630/fob4.asp)

9. 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

10. The point is…..we need to reduce the anxiety in order to access the memory!

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

19. 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

20. 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!