Download Learning and Memory Learning is defined as the acquisition of new

Learning and Memory
Learning is defined as the acquisition of new knowledge and skills. Memory is
the process of retrieving knowledge and bits of information related to skills that
are stored in the brain. Learning and memory are essential in every moment of
life in countless ways.
There are several types of memory, including remembering facts, remembering
visual images – such as faces, remembering events and experiences from long
ago, remembering how to do things like ride a bike, and remembering smells,
tastes, or feelings from the past. Each type of memory appears to be processed
in the brain in a different way.
By studying people with damage to different parts of the brain, scientists have
learned more about how the brain organizes and stores information, but much
remains a mystery. Memories seem to be synthesized from many pieces of
information that are stored in several parts of the brain. It also appears this
system is redundant in that individual memories are not stored in one particular
neuron (nerve cell) in the brain. Memories seem to be a product of interaction
between numerous neurons and multiple pathways within the brain.
Brain research suggests several ways to reinforce declarative memory. For
example, the more senses that are involved in processing the information, the
more likely the information will be remembered. This seems to be because
memories that are processed in several places in the brain have a better chance
of being accessed later. Research also shows that repetition of action or thought
or speech causes physical changes in the brain that make these memories
stronger. In addition, if new information can be associated in some way with
existing knowledge, the brai has a better chance of remembering that
information. Also, if a strong emotional content is associated with the knowledge
or the way in which it was imparted, the memory is more likely to be retained.
These findings have implications for teaching and learning. Several, strategies
can be used to increase the effectiveness of memory, such as mnemonic
devices. For example, to memorize a list of things, picture walking through a
house or town, putting these objects in particular locations. When asked to recall
the objects, take the same walk and “see” the objects. Another mnemonic device
is to make up a phrase that has the same letters as the objects or concepts to be
remembered. An example is the planets in order from Sun. My very eager
mother just served us nachos = Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,
Uranus, Neptune