1. Memory, Learning and Test- taking

3. What is Memory? Memory is NOT like a computer, that holds information indefinitely (forever) It is closer to a muscle – if it isn’t exercised than it is not in as good a shape Some people have an easier time at memorizing things than others, but the amount of practice matters more than DNA

4. Learning and Brain Growth Continued learning leads to the growth of new brain cells New brain cells grow in response to WHAT is being learned – Example: learning how to bounce a soccer ball with one foot increases cells dealing with balance and coordination

6. Use it or Lose it Brain cells that aren’t used on a regular basis are “pruned” – like dead branches on a tree being removed Otherwise, energy would be wasted maintaining cells that aren’t necessary

7. The Teenage Brain Important areas keep growing until about 19- 21 years old: – Frontal cortex – involved in planning and inhibition (ie. “maybe I shouldn’t do this”) – Limbic system – involved in emotional response (really active in teens!)

8. Drugs and alcohol can have a much more negative impact on these areas if abused before the brain is finished developing

9. Types of Memory Working memory – the ability to hold and manipulate information in the short term (eg. Remembering a # to call someone)

10. Long-term memory – the ability to hold onto information for a long period of time – Usually, if you can remember things 3 years after you learned it, you will remember it for life (may need refreshers!)

11. How can you improve memory? 1)It’s all about you – find someway to connect the information to your own life, interests, etc 1)Think deeper – ask more questions about the material that you are learning, rather than just learning it word for word example: What angle works best for shooting a soccer goal?

14. Creating many paths to the same destination 3) Find a different way - Creating multiple memory pathways gives more ways to retrieve the information – Example: if you are learning about World War I, drawing pictures, writing notes, and talking to a friend gives you 3 different ways to remember info

15. 4)Elaboration – giving lots of details to information (example – creating a story or daydreaming about a topic) 5)Learn through experience – trying and create more experiences for things you really want to learn (example: PRACTICE!!!)

16. 6)Go with what you know – connecting new information to what you already know will make it last longer. 7)Get Organized – giving some organization to your material will help you remember it better mnemonics Acronyms Peg method visual associations (pictures)