Techniques for Enhancing Memory

    To remember a date, item, or event is one of life’s greatest treasures.  Whether it’s a birthday, favorite scene from a movie, or a moment of sheer happiness, remembering is our way of holding onto what’s important.  In the classroom setting, remembering is not only pleasant, it’s vital.  Let’s then take a closer look at memory and methods for improving memory storage. 

    The process for storing vital details can be summarized in a 3-step process.  Information presented is processed and then stored in short-term memory.  Here prioritizing, sorting and discarding are all essential.  Based on the data presented by Paula Moraine M.Ed. 99 percent of the information presented is discarded by the short term memory.  The active working memory acts as a link in connecting the short and long term memory.  Generally, up to seven items can be processed in active working memory.  Long term memory is where facts and details are stored for long term retrieval.  The number of pieces of information that can be stored here are limitless. 

    The memory experiences each individual encounters varies.  Providing tools and strategies that are “just right” must be based on individual memory systems.  I have selected a few of these systems and offer study strategies to enhance student’s learning opportunities.     

                   Visual Memory
                             Those that store memories based on content viewed have a strength in the visual memory system.  To facilitate learning processes for those with visual memory strengths, I suggest using video demonstrations encapsulating dates, techniques and processes previously presented.  Kahn Academy is a great resource in this domain.  This site contains video tutorials on topics including math, art, sciences and more.

                   Motor Memory
                             This memory system relies on action and performance.  Many learners that fall within the parameters previously described as right brain learners demonstrate strength in motor memory systems.  I would recommend visiting my Pinterest page at www.pinterest.com/tutorwise for strategies for these learners.  There are games, sensory experiences and various tactile activities for these students.

                   Sequential Memory
                             This memory system relies on the retention of the order of items.  For students studying events in history, battles in the Civil War, or sequencing story events, I recommend creating a timeline to facilitate the retention of essential details.  The website ReadWriteThink offers a tool to create, save, and later retrieve timelines created.         

Story events are featured on this timeline produced through the ReadWriteThink website.

                    Declarative Memory                            
                                Information stored for speaking and writing relies on the declarative memory system.  For those with a strong declarative memory system, I recommend using Twitter to provide an authentic outlet for communication.  This site provides learners with information relating to world events, current trends, and celebrations.  It will help to strengthen the student’s sense of self as they communicate and receive feedback on their ideas.  I would love to connect with students and their families at twitter.com/tutorwise.    

    With these ideas in mind, I would enjoy learning more about your opinion.  What memory system is predominate for you and/or your child?  What tools and strategies have you found to enhance the learning process?  I look forward to hearing your insights!