Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Memory storage
Our minds are always occupied with short-term
operations with no need to retain information for
future use. When incoming information is not
dramatic, or we perceive it as unimportant, it quickly
fades from the short-term memory. The long-term
memory is brought into play when information comes
to us frequently, or it is vivid and dramatic, or when
we ourselves create mental images of the
information.
Long-term memory storage occurs when we translate
information into mental pictures in the right
hemisphere of the brain. The ability to visualise is allimportant. Some people talk about seeing pictures in
their heads, others may say they are imagining
Memory retrieval
Once memories are stored, they are part of the
neuron network in the brain. It seems that the
storage mechanism is permanent, although if
memories are not reactivated occasionally, they can
be difficult to find again. What we call forgetting
occurs when memories that are not used get masked
or overlaid by other information. Memories that are
Memory Skills
Mental Activity
Physical Activity
Overlearn. That is, keep testing yourself even after the point at
which you always get the answers right.
Get up and walk around while thinking about what youve learned.
Make study aids, like mind maps or flash cards, and use them to
quiz yourself. Take advantage of waiting time and spare time and
time to do this.
Verbal Activity
Explain (to anyone who will listen) what you understand (or do not
understand) about particular concepts or theories. Trying to teach
someone else often clarifies your own knowledge.
Listening Activity
Listen to the tapes of your oral summaries while driving in the car,
making dinner, jogging, cleaning the house, etc. (You dont
necessarily have to concentrate hard while doing this.)