Memory, Learning and Test-taking

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

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

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

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!)

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

Types of Memory

• Working memory – the ability to hold and manipulate information in the short term

(eg. Remembering a # to call someone)

• 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!)

How can you improve memory?1) It’s all about you – find someway to connect the information to your own life, interests, etc

2) 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?

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

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!!!)

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)