Download Memory kaleidoscope: enhancing memory to improve learning

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Memory kaleidoscope: enhancing memory to improve learning
By Lic. Nylia Monté • [email protected]
• Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, mental constructs, or values through
study, experience, or teaching that causes a measurable change in the brain known as memory.
• Memory is the biological process whereby information is coded and retrieved. It is an electro-chemical
signaling process, whereby neurons throughout the cortex with links to the nervous system communicate
with each other via synapse interaction. Memories are formed when brain cells make connections at the
synapse. Neurons that fire together, “wire together.” Memory is the increased probability of a particular
synaptic firing pattern within a neural network.
• Contrary to our collective notion of a personal “memory bank” or storage unit reserved for this purpose,
memory, unlike our hearts or lungs, is not a singular place or thing. Rather, it is a collection of complex
electrochemical responses activated through multiple sensory channels and stored in unique and
elaborate neuronal networks throughout the brain. There is no one place in the brain for all memories.
Memories are stored in a web-like fashion throughout the brain. Therefore, many neurons are involved in
memory formation. Complex memories are based on the binding together of many elements within a
network. Remembering something requires the activation of specific networks of neurons to trigger the
exact memory.
• Dynamic in nature, our memory is continually changing and evolving as new information is added to it.
Our memories are malleable.
• Have you ever noticed that some things are easier to remember than others? This is because most of us
have a mixture of memory-type strengths and weaknesses. Memories are stored along multiple neural
pathways.
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How are memories formed?
We think, feel, move and experience life (sensory stimulation).
All experiences are registered in the brain.
They are prioritized by value, meaning, and usefullness by brain structures and processes.
Many individual neurons are activated.
Neurons transmit information to other neurons via electrical and chemical reactions.
These connections are strengthened by repetition, rest, and emotions. Lasting memories are formed.
Once stimuli enters the brain through the senses, it is promptly processed by a complex network of neurons,
proteins, and electrical impulses. If the information does not receive sufficient attention or if it is not deemed
necessary for the long-term,it will be encoded for short-term use only and ultimately discarded unless
reclassified. The encoding process takes into consideration the emotional nature, value, and meaningfulness of
the information, as well as how it relates to prior learning, and how much attention the data has been
prescribed. When an experience is recalled, the various elements of it are instantaneously retrieved from their
relative storage areas in the brain to form an integrated composition which, ultimately, constitutes your memory.
We remember…
1. Information that aids our survival
2. What we give our attention to
3. What we find meaningful
4. What we practice
5. What we link to prior learning
6. What we encode with a mnemonic or other memory device
We forget…
1.
That which is insignificant to us
2.
When we are not engaged
3.
What we don’t practice, review or use
4.
When something is too painful to remember
5.
When prolonged stress interferes with brain functioning
6.
When we don’t conciously actívate a memory cue
ABS International • Malaver 2072 • (1636) Olivos • Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone (5411) 4797 5974 • [email protected] • www.abs-international.com.ar
CLASSIFICATION OF MEMORY TYPES
ACCORDING TO LIFE SPAN
OR MEMORY DURATION
IMMEDIATE PERCEPTUAL
MEMORY
Lasts less
than one
second.
Eg: Lasts
long
enough to
remember
a word and
be able to
type it.
WORKING
MEMORY
OR SHORT
TERM
MEMORY
Can
maintain
information
for up to 20
seconds, or
longer if it
is cued or
conciously
rehearsed.
Eg:Lasts
long
enough to
dial a
telephone
number you
just looked
up.
LONG
TERM
MEMORY
Can stay
vital for up
to a
lifetime. It
is kept
vital by
looking at
photographs or
anything
that
activates
recalling.
Eg: the
90-yearold who
still
remembers the
day she
got
married.
ACCORDING TO THE MANNER IN WHICH
IT IS ENCODED AND RETRIEVED
EXPLICIT
(OR DECLARATIVE)
MEMORY
--------------------------
IMPLICIT
(OR NONDECLARATIVE)
MEMORY
---------------------------------------------------Memories are encoded and retrieved
instinctually,arrived at organically or
automatically.
Memories are encoded
and retrieved
consciously, through
purpose and effort.
Semantic
Episodic
Reflexive
Procedural
Includes
most
academic
and professional
knowledge
Words,
symbols,
abstractions,
video,
textbooks,
computers,written
stories,
facts and
figures.
Also known
as autobiographical.
Driven by
location
and
circumstances.
Locations,
events,
personal
reminiscen
-ces of life
events.
Also known as stimulusresponse. It is basic to
human survival.
Automatic,
non-concious learning,
“hot-stove effect”.
Also
known as
motor
memory. It
involves
learned
tasks or
skills like
riding a
bike,
driving a
car, tying
our shoe
laces, etc.
Bodylearning,
hands-on
learning.
Emotional
Sensory
Conditioning
Information
stored in
the brain
as a result
of intense
sensory
stimulation
(intense
emotions
from
trauma to
pleasure).
Involves the
retention of
information
cued by a
particular
sense
(visual,
auditory/
verbal,
olfactory
memories).
Fashbulb memory
It is best described as a combination of both explicit and implicit
memory types.It refers to the vivid recollection of an extremely
emotional or shocking event,usually captured in the minds of many
people. The event is stored with vivid imagery as if it were a
moment frozen in time (Eg: 9/11 terrorist attack).
ABS International • Malaver 2072 • (1636) Olivos • Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone (5411) 4797 5974 • [email protected] • www.abs-international.com.ar
SEVEN POWERFUL WAYS TO ENCODE INFORMATION FOR THE LONG TERM.
What do the letters of this ACRONYM stand for?
ROY G BIV
R ___________________________________________________________________________________
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O ___________________________________________________________________________________
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Y ____________________________________________________________________________________
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G ___________________________________________________________________________________
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B ____________________________________________________________________________________
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I _____________________________________________________________________________________
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V____________________________________________________________________________________
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Bibliography:
•
Markowitz, Karen & Jensen,Eric (1999). “The Great Memory Book.” Corwin Press, California, USA.
•
Jensen, Eric & Nickelsen, LeAnn (2008). “Deeper learning. Seven Powerful strategies for In-Depth
and Longer-Lasting Learning.” Corwin Press, California, USA.
•
Jensen, Eric (2005). “Teaching with the brain in mind.” ASCD, Virginia, USA.
•
Kovalik, Susan J. & Olsen, Karen D. (2001). “Exceeding expectations: A User’s Guide to
Implementing Brain Research in the Classroom.” Books for Educators, Inc. Washington, USA.
•
Caine, Geoffrey, Nummela Caine, Renate & Cromwell, Sam (1999). “MindShifts. A Brain-Compatible
Process for Professional Development and the Renewal of Education. Second Edition” Zephyr
Press, Arizona, USA.
ABS International • Malaver 2072 • (1636) Olivos • Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone (5411) 4797 5974 • [email protected] • www.abs-international.com.ar