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Types of memory

 
 
 
 
 

Associate to remember

 

 

 
 
 
 

 

Revise, revise
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

See, hear, do

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Try these hints

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 

Memory Skills - Part 1
Contents

Part 1

HOW MEMORY WORKS
STRATEGIES TO USE NOW

Part 2

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF - AND YOUR MEMORY
USEFUL BOOKS / VIDEOS
MEMORY STRATEGIES - PRACTICE ACTIVITIES

Having a good memory is not a gift. It is a skill anyone can learn!

 
HOW MEMORY WORKS

There are two types of memory: short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM). STM can only hold about five new pieces of information at a time. To really remember something, we need to transfer information to LTM. 

We can do this by:

1.  Grouping/linking: Our brains work by linking information, so we should aim to link all new information to something we already know. For example, we might link bilby to all Australian native animals. 

2.  Revising constantly: After a learning session, we should go over the information that same day, and then at regular intervals. 

Activity

When should you revise? Read the tips on the James Cook Uni website.

3.  Using all our senses:  Our brain is a “sensory receiver”, so we should use all senses (seeing, hearing, doing) to help us to remember things better. 

Activity

Read how to link memorization with learning styles [Alamo Community College website]


SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES TO USE NOW

Visualisation: Link the information you want to remember to visual images. Link things such as formulae, people’s names, place names and other information to pictures, colours etc. The more unusual you make the image, the easier it is to remember.

For example, this may be how you remember a man whose name is Kloundeski: 

 (Example taken from Memory skills power learning, Learning Seed Productions, 1990)

Visual Study Aids
Use mind maps, diagrams and models to help your revision.

Activity

Mind maps are useful tools. If you would like to learn more about constructing mind maps, the James Cook Uni web site has a study module you can complete.







Acronyms
Eg ROY G. BIV for the colours of the spectrum.

Activity

Can you recall Australian state and territory capitals using the letters below? (Let’s say you’ve decided your acronym is DB Champs)

D......   B.......   C.......   H.......  A......   M......   P......   S......












Activity

Now, make your own acronym for the names of the Great Lakes of North America: Ontario, Huron, Superior, Michigan, Erie. 

Use the first letters of the names to do it.  (O  H  S  M  E )
Then click the button below to get a possible answer.













Poems/Rhymes
Eg “Thirty days hath September…”
 

Sound
Tape your notes and listen to them before you go to sleep. Listen to Baroque music (60 beats/minute) when you study, as this helps you to remember things better.

Repetition
Repeat things … in your mind, on paper, in speech.
 

Now, try these techniques on some examples from your own studies. Good luck!!

[On to Part 2]