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How Readings become Assignments Where does this workshop fit? Answering the Question •Clarify the question •Identify task Your Finished Assignment Note taking •Guidelines •Methods How readings become assignments APA referencing Essay Writing •In text citing •End of text reference list •Introduction •Body •Conclusion Workshop Overview • Preparation and Research • Organise your notes • Write Preparation and Research • Clarify the assignment question • Gather relevant information • Read relevant parts – introductions and headings • Make Notes Organising your Notes Find, circle and number ideas YOUR STUDY SPACE This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study environment, because it will make a difference to your studies. Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study space: Your space must be free from distractions. You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the background, but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason? Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the information if you are to remember it, if you are distracted, then you will recall less. Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have adequate ventilation. You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study environ. Make sure that you study in an appropriate place. Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful around exam time. Have good posture when studying; sit upright and in a good chair. It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be considered an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend a great deal of time in so make sure it supports you well and is adjustable. ______________________________________________________ 1 2 [1] Although baroque music (classical music with a specific tempo) may provide a suitable learning environment by stimulating your brain to produce alpha waves; which is a state conducive to learning. Paul Fenton, 2007 You must have adequate light for reading and note taking. Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden! 3 1 You set up a good study environment. Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on. You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect). 3 1 2 2 4 You are not hungry or thirsty. Self-explanatory, isn’t it? Paul Fenton, 2007 THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic memory? Memory is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to develop usually ‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record these skills without any effort, then what point is there even everything we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people with 2000). synaesthesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these individuals Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or remember information to enhance our memor y[1] (Harrison, 2001; You may have been told that you should never cram. My advice construction, Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now discuss what really exact, even in the most rudimentary cases of rote is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you may have synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our memory. been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn anything. recapitulation, and it is not at all important that it should be Synaesthesia is derived from two words that, when combined, so. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred method of mean ‘a coming together or union of the senses’ (Harrison, 2001; studying given the following reasons. (Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks, 1995, p. 164). Root-Bernstein, 1999). In most people, when you hear a noise, that is Take, for example, two eyewitnesses at the scene of an the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, in synaethetes (people with accident. They will give different accounts of what happened In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have synaesthesia) other senses may also be active. For example, the explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has most common type of synaesthesia takes the form of “coloured methods involved a sea snail called aplysia californica, among happened and is far from being a ‘passive receptacle’ of hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In other words, for other subjects (Kandel et al., 2000). The basic principle derived from information. This point is important for those who may have these people, sound also evokes visual sensations, and, more used memory techniques in the past, but found that they these studies indicate a “general principle of learning psychology: importantly, it occurs involuntarily (the quote at the bottom of page Spaced training is usually much more effective than massed could not recall everything they did with photographic clarity – 37 is an example of this). For example, if you were listening to music, training in producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al., 2000, p. it is not unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a you would ‘see’ or get impressions of particular colours that would misleading term. 1250, italics added). This means that ‘cramming’ (meaning longchange as the music changes key and so on [2]. duration intense study just prior to the exam or test) is not the most As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do Sounds bizarre, does it not? Yet synaesthesia has been the efficient means of long-term retention. not think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are subject of many books and journal articles and it is a very real rare individuals that have prodigious memories that are phenomenon (note the references). The really fascinating (and referred to by psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term memory” important) thing with these people is that it is not uncommon to find (Kandel, 2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember that because memory. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to recall that they have exceptional memory abilities. cramming does not aid long-term retention it should be regarded information after a single exposure with exceptional clarity ______________________________________________________ (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995). People with eidetic memory differ as an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this research supports the importance of regular breaks and the need to revise material from others who have learned particular methods to enhance [1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still enhance regularly to maximise your learning, memory, and recall. their ability to recall information. In contrast, eidetic… our ability to remember and recall information using similar Paul Fenton, 2007 techniques. Cramming is usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised [2] Though the actual experience is more complex than this. student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should regularly find yourself in if you can help it. Paul Fenton, 2007 4 5 5 Paul Fenton, 2007. Organising your Notes • Organise your ideas • Make notes based on these topics • Find more info to fill any gaps • Arrange notes in a sensible order Write • Write a paragraph/s based on each topic’s notes • Use TEE structure o Topic Sentence o Evidence o Example • Gather paragraphs together, add anything else, introduction & conclusion Summary Step 1: Gather relevant information Step 2: Read relevant sections Information Sources: Books, Journals, Research YOUR STUDY SPACE This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study environment, because it will make a difference to your studies. Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study space: Your space must be free from distractions. You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the background, but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason? Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the information if you are to remember it, if you are distracted, then you will recall less. Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have adequate ventilation. You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study environ. Make sure t hat you st udy in an appropriate place. Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful around exam time. Have good posture when st udying; sit upright and in a good chair. It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be considered an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend a great deal of time in so make sure it supports you well and is adjustable. ______________________________________________________ 1 Step 3: Make notes 2 Step 4: Find ideas (numbered circles) Step 5: Organise ideas Step 6: Make notes based on these topics Step 7: Arrange notes in a sensible order You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking. Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden! 3 1 You set up a good study environment. Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on. You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect). You are not hungry or t hirsty. Self-explanatory, isn’t it? 4 Paul Fenton, 2007 THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to what can popular belief, we do not storeSo memories in we our learn brainfrom like athe individuals with eidetic memory? After all, process. if these individuals are rare, and they seem to video camera. Memory is, after all, a dynamic develop these skills withoutthat any effort, then what point is there Memories are not usually ‘camera-like’ reproductions even discussing them? we can learn something from people accurately record everything we see, hear, and doWell, (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000).with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these You may havey[1] been told that you should never cram. My individuals remember information to enhance our memor Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now construction, have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn discuss what synaesthesia is and what wemay can do to improve our really exact, even in the most rudimentary cases of rote anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred recapitulation, and it is notmemory. at all important that it should method of studying given the following reasons. Synaesthesia is derived from two words that, when combined, be so. mean ‘ap. coming (Harrison, 2001; (Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks, 1995, 164). together or union of the senses’ In relation to the Root-Bernstein, 1999). In of most you hear a noise,research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have Take, for example, two eyewitnesses at the scene an people, when explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those that isaccounts the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, in synaethetes accident. They will give different of what methods involved a sea snail called aplysia californica, among (people with synaesthesia) also be active. For happened because the brain reconstructs or constructsother senses may other subjects (Kandel example, the most common type of synaesthesia takes the form et al., 2000). The basic principle derived what has happened and is far from being a ‘passive from these1993). studies hearing”for (Harrison, Cytowic, Inindicate a “general principle of learning receptacle’ of information. of This“coloured point is important those 2001, p.3;psychology: training is usually much more effective than other words, for people, visualSpaced sensations, who may have used memory techniques in these the past, but sound also evokes massedquote training producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al., and,everything more importantly, occurs involuntarily(the atin the found that they could not recall they diditwith 2000, p. 1250,ifitalics bottom of page 37 is an example of this). For example, you added). This means that ‘cramming’ photographic clarity – it is not unusual! Technically, (meaning long-duration intense study just prior to the exam or listeningterm. to music, you would ‘see’ or get impressions of ‘photographic memory’ is awere misleading test) is not the most efficient means of long-term retention. particular colours thatrule. would As with most things, there are exceptions to the But,change as the music changes key andthe so rule. on [2]. do not think that they disprove You will find that However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term bizarre, does it not? Yet synaesthesia has been the there are rare individuals that Sounds have prodigious memories subject of many books and journal articlesmemory” and it is a(Kandel, very real2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember that are referred to by psychologists and their ilk as having that because cramming does not aid long-term retention it phenomenon (note theto references). The really fascinating (and eidetic memory. Eidetic memory refers to the ability recall be regarded important) with these people is that itshould is not uncommon toas an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this information after a single exposure withthing exceptional clarity research supports the importance of regular breaks and the that with theyeidetic have exceptional memory abilities. (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995).find People memory need to revise material regularly to maximise your learning, differ from others who have ______________________________________________________ learned particular methods to memory, and recall. enhance their ability to recall information. In contrast, [1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still is using usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised enhance our ability t o remember and recallCramming information student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should similar techniques. [2] Though t he actual experience is moreregularly complexfind thanyourself this. in if you can help it. 3 1 2 2 4 5 5 Paul Fenton, 2007. Topic #1 YOUR STUDY SPACE This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study environment, because it will make a difference to your studies. Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study space: Your space must be free from distractions. You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the background, but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason? Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the information if you are to remember it, if you are distracted, then you will recall less. Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have adequate ventilation. You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study environ. Make sure t hat you st udy in an appropriate place. Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful around exam time. Have good posture when st udying; sit upright and in a good chair. It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be considered an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend a great deal of time in so make sure it supports you well and is adjustable. ______________________________________________________ You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking. Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden! You set up a good study environment. Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on. You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect). You are not hungry or t hirsty. Self-explanatory, isn’t it? Paul Fenton, 2007 Topic #2 You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking. Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden! You set up a good study environment. Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on. You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect). You are not hungry or t hirsty. Self-explanatory, isn’t it? Paul Fenton, 2007 You may have been told that you should never cram. My advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred method of studying given the following reasons. In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those methods involved a sea snail called aplysia californica, among other subjects (Kandel et al., 2000). The basic principle derived from these studies indicate a “general principle of learning psychology: Spaced training is usually much more effective than massed training in producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al., 2000, p. 1250, italics added). This means that ‘cramming’ (meaning long-duration intense study just prior to the exam or test) is not the most efficient means of long-term retention. However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term memory” (Kandel, 2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember that because cramming does not aid long-term retention it should be regarded as an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this research supports the importance of regular breaks and the need to revise material regularly to maximise your learning, memory, and recall. Cramming is usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should regularly find yourself in if you can help it. Paul Fenton, 2007. Topic #3 THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not usually ‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record everything we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000). Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or construction, built out of our relation of our attitude towards a whole active mass of organised past reactions or experience….It is thus hardly ever really exact, even in the most rudimentary cases of rote recapitulation, and it is not at all important that it should be so. (Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks, 1995, p. 164). Take, for example, two eyewitnesses at the scene of an accident. They will give different accounts of what happened because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has happened and is far from being a ‘passive receptacle’ of information. This point is important for those who may have used memory techniques in the past, but found that they could not recall everything they did with photographic clarity – it is not unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a misleading term. As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995). YOUR STUDY SPACE This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study environment, because it will make a difference to your studies. Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study space: Your space must be free from distractions. You may prefer to study with noise or music [1] in the background, but make sure it is not too distracting. The reason? Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the information if you are to remember it, if you are distracted, then you will recall less. Your study space must be a suitable temperature and have adequate ventilation. You do not want your study space to be ‘hot and stuffy’ or ‘cold and drafty’. Either condition is going to be a less than ideal study environ. Make sure t hat you st udy in an appropriate place. Studying on the bed is not such a good idea; so, if you do not have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful around exam time. Have good posture when st udying; sit upright and in a good chair. It may sound lame, but a good chair for study should be considered an investment. It is a piece of furniture you will spend a great deal of time in so make sure it supports you well and is adjustable. ______________________________________________________ Topic #4 So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to develop these skills without any effort, then what point is there even discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these individuals remember information to enhance our memor y[1] (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our memory. Synaesthesia is derived from two words that, when combined, mean ‘a coming together or union of the senses’ (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, 1999). In most people, when you hear a noise, that is the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, in synaethetes (people with synaesthesia) other senses may also be active. For example, the most common type of synaesthesia takes the form of “coloured hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In other words, for these people, sound also evokes visual sensations, and, more importantly, it occurs involuntarily(the quote at the bottom of page 37 is an example of this). For example, if you were listening to music, you would ‘see’ or get impressions of particular colours that would change as the music changes key and so on [2]. Sounds bizarre, does it not? Yet synaesthesia has been the subject of many books and journal articles and it is a very real phenomenon (note the references). The really fascinating (and important) thing with these people is that it is not uncommon to find that they have exceptional memory abilities. _________________________________________________ [1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still enhance our ability t o remember and recall information using similar techniques. [2] Though t he actual experience is more complex than this. So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to develop these skills without any effort, then what point is there even discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these individuals remember information to enhance our memor y[1] (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our memory. Synaesthesia is derived from two words that, when combined, mean ‘a coming together or union of the senses’ (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, 1999). In most people, when you hear a noise, that is the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, in synaethetes (people with synaesthesia) other senses may also be active. For example, the most common type of synaesthesia takes the form of “coloured hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In other words, for these people, sound also evokes visual sensations, and, more importantly, it occurs involuntarily(the quote at the bottom of page 37 is an example of this). For example, if you were listening to music, you would ‘see’ or get impressions of particular colours that would change as the music changes key and so on [2]. Sounds bizarre, does it not? Yet synaesthesia has been the subject of many books and journal articles and it is a very real phenomenon (note the references). The really fascinating (and important) thing with these people is that it is not uncommon to find that they have exceptional memory abilities. _________________________________________________ [1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, we can still enhance our ability t o remember and recall information using similar techniques. [2] Though t he actual experience is more complex than this. Topic #5, etc… You may have been told that you should never cram. My advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred method of studying given the following reasons. In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those methods involved a sea snail called aplysia californica, among other subjects (Kandel et al., 2000). The basic principle derived from these studies indicate a “general principle of learning psychology: Spaced training is usually much more effective than massed training in producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al., 2000, p. 1250, italics added). This means that ‘cramming’ (meaning long-duration intense study just prior to the exam or test) is not the most efficient means of long-term retention. However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term memory” (Kandel, 2000, p.1250, italics added). But remember that because cramming does not aid long-term retention it should be regarded as an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also, this research supports the importance of regular breaks and the need to revise material regularly to maximise your learning, memory, and recall. Cramming is usually the hallmark of a stressed, disorganised student, so it is not the optimal learning state that you should regularly find yourself in if you can help it. Paul Fenton, 2007. THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not usually ‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record everything we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000). Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or construction, built out of our relation of our attitude towards a whole active mass of organised past reactions or experience….It is thus hardly ever really exact, even in the most rudimentary cases of rote recapitulation, and it is not at all important that it should be so. (Bartlett, 1932, cited in Sacks, 1995, p. 164). Take, for example, two eyewitnesses at the scene of an accident. They will give different accounts of what happened because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has happened and is far from being a ‘passive receptacle’ of information. This point is important for those who may have used memory techniques in the past, but found that they could not recall everything they did with photographic clarity – it is not unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a misleading term. As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995). Summary You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking. Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden! You set up a good study environment. Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on. You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect). You are not hungry or t hirsty. Self-explanatory, isn’t it? Paul Fenton, 2007You must have adequate light for reading and not e taking. Buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an exelectrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden! You set up a good study environment. Set up a space with a desk, filing cabinet, bookcase, and so on. You can pick some of these items up at garage sales. The main idea here is to set up an environment that says: “This is my study space, here is where I do my work” (or words to that effect). Paul Fenton, 2007 Step 8: Write a paragraph/s based on each topic’s notes – use “T.E.E.” structure Step 9: Gather all of your paragraphs together Topic Sentence, or Controlling idea You may have been told that you should never cram. My advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred method of studying given the following reasons. YOUR STUDY SPACE In relation to the research on ‘cramming’ psychologists have explored memory and learning in a variety of ways. One of those section give you some instruction methods involved a seaThis snail calledwill aplysia californica, among on a variety of memory techniques. It is basic not a principle comprehensive other subjects (Kandel et al., 2000). The derivedlist, but a brief summary of some proven methods. first, a brief word about your study from these studies indicate a “general principleBut of learning environment, it will make a than difference to your studies. psychology: Spaced training is usuallybecause much more effective Here are some considerations forSo designing and study what wechoosing learn fromathe individuals with eidetic massed training in producing long-term memory” (Kandel et al., can space: memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to 2000, p. 1250, italics added). This means that ‘cramming’ space must free distractions. develop (meaning long-durationYour intense study justbe prior tofrom the exam or these skills without any effort, then what point is there You means may prefer to studyretention. with noise music [1]them? in the Well, we can learn something from people evenor discussing test) is not the most efficient of long-term background, but make sure itwith is notsynaest too distracting. Thesimply, reason? hesia. Quite we can mimic the way these Well, as noted in the earlier section, you must pay attention to the individuals remember information to enhance our memor y[1] However, cramming can produce a “robust short-term if you are toBut remember it, if you are distracted, then (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now memory” (Kandel, 2000,information p.1250, italics added). remember willnot recall discuss we can do to improve our that because crammingyou does aidless. long-term retention it what synaesthesia is and what Your study space must be a suitable and have THE MYTH OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY memory. should be regarded as an ‘emergency measure’ only. Also,temperature this adequateof ventilation. is derived from two words that, when combined, research supports the importance regular breaks andSynaesthesia the There one thing that I need2001; to clear up before we discuss You do not want youryour study space becoming ‘hot and stuffy’ or union ‘cold meanto‘a together ofisthe senses’ (Harrison, need to revise material regularly to maximise learning, particular memory techniques. and drafty’. Either condition isRoot-Bernstein, going to be a less than study 1999). In ideal most people, when you hear a noise, The reason is that this particular memory, and recall. idea is actually erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we environ. that is the only sense that is ‘activated’. But, inquite synaethetes do not store memories our brain Make sure t of hatayou st udydisorganised in an(people appropriate place. with synaesthesia) other senses may also be in active. For like a video camera. Memory Cramming is usually the hallmark stressed, is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not usually Studying on thestate bedthat is notyou such a good idea; so, ifcommon you do not example, the most type of synaesthesia takes the form student, so it is not the optimal learning should ‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record everything have a suitable study room, then study at university or in the of “coloured hearing” (Harrison, 2001, p.3; Cytowic, 1993). In regularly find yourself in if you can help it. we see,also hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000). library (or public library). This will encourage you to study when other words, for these people, sound evokes visual sensations, Remembering…. is an imaginative reconstruction, or you find yourself surrounded by similar others – especially useful and, more importantly, it occurs involuntarily(the quote at the construction, around exam time. bottom of page 37 is an example of this). For example, if you built out of of our Have good posture when st udying; sit upright in ayou good were listening toand music, would ‘see’ or our getrelation impressions of attitude towards a whole active Paul Fenton, 2007. mass chair. particular colours that would change as the music changes key of organised past reactions or experience….It is thus hardly It may sound lame, but a good chair for [2]. study should be and so on ever considered an investment. It is aSounds piece of furniture youit will spend bizarre, does not? Yet synaesthesia has been the exact, even a great deal of time in so make sure it of supports you well and is really subject many books and journal articles and it is in a the verymost real rudimentary cases of rote recapitulation, and it is not(and at all important that it should be so. adjustable. phenomenon (note the references). The really fascinating (Bartlett, cited in Sacks,to 1995, p. 164). ______________________________________________________ important) thing with these people is that1932, it is not uncommon for example, find that they have exceptionalTake, memory abilities. two eyewitnesses at the scene of an accident. They will give different accounts of what happened [ ______________________________________________________ because the brain reconstructs or constructs what has happened and we is far from [1] Though not nearly as well as synaesthetes, can stillbeing a ‘passive receptacle’ of information. This point is important enhance our ability t o remember and recall information using for those who may have used memory techniques in the past, but found that they could not similar techniques. recalliseverything theythan did with [2] Though t he actual experience more complex this. photographic clarity – it is not unusual! Technically, ‘photographic memory’ is a misleading term. As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995). Explain, Elaborate, or Define About 100-200 words long Evidence, Examples, or Illustrations You must have adequate light for reading and note taking. You should buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the light fittings to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (below 60 watts is not suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may be blinding!). By the way, I will not apologise for using the word “lamp” in the previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, but, as an ex-electrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs in the garden! Step 10: Put them all together; if it’s an essay, add an introductions, conclusion& include references & you’re done! You may have been told that you should never cram. My advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite what you may have been told about cramming, it is never too late to learn anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred method of studying given the following reasons. This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study environment, because it will make a difference to your studies. Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study space. You must have adequate light for reading and Sacks, note taking. 1995; Squire You & Kandel, 2000). should buy a desk lamp or change the lamps in the As light withfittings most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not to the appropriate wattage, not too dim (belowthink 60 watts that isthey not disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare suitable) and not too bright (150 watt lamps may individuals be blinding!). that have prodigious memories that are referred to by By the way, I will not apologise for using the word psychologists “lamp” in the and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic previous sentence. Many people use the word “bulb”, memorybut, refers as an to the ability to recall information after a single ex-electrician, all I have to say is that you plant bulbs exposure in the with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995). garden! People with eidetic memory differ from others who have learned You may have been told that you should neverparticular cram. Mymethods to enhance their ability to recall information. advice is that you don’t make a habit of it. Despite In contrast, what you eidetic… may have been told about cramming, it is never Paul tooFenton, late to learn 2007 anything. But, you don’t want to make cramming your preferred method of studying given the following reasons. This section will give you some instruction on a variety of memory techniques. It is not a comprehensive list, but a brief summary of some proven methods. But first, a brief word about your study environment, because it will make a difference to your studies. Here are some considerations for designing and choosing a study space. So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to develop these skills without any effort, then what point is there even discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these individuals remember information to enhance our memory (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our memory. There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory So what can we learn from the individuals with eidetic memory? After all, if these individuals are rare, and they seem to develop these skills without any effort, then what point is there even discussing them? Well, we can learn something from people with synaest hesia. Quite simply, we can mimic the way these individuals remember information to enhance our memory (Harrison, 2001; Root-Bernstein, R. & M., 1999). So let us now discuss what synaesthesia is and what we can do to improve our memory. There is one thing that I need to clear up before we discuss particular memory techniques. The reason is that this particular idea is actually quite erroneous. Contrary to popular belief, we do not store memories in our brain like a video camera. Memory is, after all, a dynamic process. Memories are not usually ‘camera-like’ reproductions that accurately record everything we see, hear, and do (Sacks, 1995; Squire & Kandel, 2000). As with most things, there are exceptions to the rule. But, do not think that they disprove the rule. You will find that there are rare individuals that have prodigious memories that are referred to by psychologists and their ilk as having eidetic memory. Eidetic memory refers to the ability to recall information after a single exposure with exceptional clarity (Cytowic, 1993; Sacks, 1995). People with eidetic memory differ from others who have learned particular methods to enhance their ability to recall information. In contrast, eidetic… Paul Fenton, 2007 Remember… If you need more help, just ask your Kaiako or Student Support Advisor. We are here for you!