Creating Enduring Memories & Effective Learning
by scott young
1. Sensory Memory
1.1. Ultra short-term memory
2. Short Term (Working) Memory
2.1. Forgotten memories may occur here
2.2. Where we reason & think
2.3. The gateway into Long-Term memory
2.4. Limited in capacity
3. Long-Term Memory
3.1. Forgotten memories may occur here
3.2. Memories stored for long-term
4. Sensory Input
4.1. Observations from our senses
5. Encoding / Retrieval Practices
5.1. Consolidates, modifies and reorganizes memory for enhanced long term storage; creates secondary retrieval pathways for ease of recall
5.2. Active learning links new knowledge and information to prior knowledge
5.3. Elaborative encoding creates a dialogue between working memory and long-term memory
5.4. Helps to identify knowledge gaps in understanding
5.5. Teaching a friend or creating flashcards are excellent encoding/retrieval strategies
6. Attention / Cognitive Load
6.1. Cognitive load is the total amount of mental activity occupying working memory at any moment; and is influenced by distraction and other attention-altering events
6.2. Limited in capacity - the bottleneck between sensory and Short-term memories
6.3. Prevent cognitive overload: study in a quiet, well-lit environment free of distractions; ensure adequate sleep is maintained
7. Rehearsal
7.1. Spaced practice: a learning strategy that more effectively links new learning to prior knowledge
7.1.1. Creates more durable and useable memories compared to "mass practice" (ie. cramming)