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There are a variety of types of memories that the brain uses as a way of making connections to both new and old information. Some of these memories include short term memory, working memory, long term memory, and sensory memory.

Short term memory can be thought of as the brain's ability to keep information for a short period of time. This includes memories that could be saved or forgotten without reinforcement. Examples of short term memory use are:

Remembering the name of someone new.

Descriptions of recent events.

The cost of an item at the store.

Another aspect of memory is the working memory. Working memory is much more related to the things that students will typically engage in during the school day. Working memory happens when the brain is using information to obtain an outcome through manipulation. Examples of working memory are:

Facts or calculations associated with new learning.

The subject or setting of events within a sentence.

The ability to combine or connect new ideas with one another.

Long term memory (also called semantic memory) includes the retention of facts, concepts, algorithms, and vocabulary. Long term memory can also include procedural memory and can often seem trivial when asked to display the skills. Examples of long term memory include:

Remembering your address, email, or phone number.

Facts related to historical events or geographic locations.

Terms used for subject specific information.

Other forms of procedural memory include:

How to get home from school.

How to make your favorite meal.

How to throw or kick a ball.

These memories are both mental and physical and are improved with repetition over time.

Sensory memories are a form of short term memories that happen quickly and briefly. However, this type of memory can be connected to long term memory through connections to positive past feelings or experiences. Examples of sensory memory include:

Revisiting a place with memories attached.

A familiar song or voice.

Smells that may trigger an emotional response.

Resource:

Types of Memory | Psychology Today. (n.d.). Www.psychologytoday.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/memory/types-of-memory

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Memories are created when sensory parts of memory are spread to a variety of areas in the brain. The role of the brain is to take the fragments of those emotions and piece them back back together bit by bit. The emotions that are generated in the amygdala are then spread to other areas of the brain. After the emotional and reactive response, the frontal lobes begin to understand the memory and give it attention. Seeing that the frontal lobes are where we maintain focus, the combination of emotion, images and other sensory input work together to make our brain focus on something that was significant from our past.

Resource:

Harvard Medical School. (2023). Harvard Health. Www.health.harvard.edu. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/memory

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The ability to recall information over time, then being able to apply that information in a variety of contexts defines the concepts of retention and transfer.

This happens through utilization of the working memory, which includes accessing long term memory through sensory pathways.

At a young age, learners have a limited working memory capacity so strategies such as repeating directions, writing instructions, and providing visual aids are key to engaging retention and transfer.

In addition, activating background knowledge is an important scaffold to tap into a previously created neural pathway.

Retrieval comes into play through repetitive drills or practices. Strategies such as flash cards, lesson reflections, or exit tickets help students to connect their working memory to their long term memory.

Resource:

DiTullio, G. (2021, September 9). How to Engage Students’ Memory Processes to Improve Learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-engage-students-memory-processes-improve-learning

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Brain injuries can affect memory in different ways for different individuals. The results of trauma may impact short term memory in mild ways such as forgetting names, specific instructions, or where you left something like your phone, wallet, or keys.

Long term memory can be affected by forgetting new information, events, or even entire conversations. This could also include filling gaps with incorrect information. More severe effects of brain trauma may include amnesia, which could be long lasting.

In addition, people who have experienced trauma may struggle to pay attention or focus (Cognitive Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury | Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC), n.d.). This can cause deeper distractions, incompletion of tasks, difficulty transitioning to new tasks, or difficulty focusing in large group settings.

Reference:

Cognitive Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury | Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). (n.d.). Msktc.org. https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/Cognitive-Problems-After-Traumatic-Brain-Injury#:~:text=People%20with%20TBI%20may%20have

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Strategies to improve memory, retention, and transfer.

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Strategies to improve memory, retention, and transfer.

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The first, and probably the most important strategy to improve memory and transfer is to focus on overall physical health.

Similar to other physical improvements, memory, retention and transfer improvements can be generated through changes in lifestyle such as proper nutrition and exercise. Foods such as greens, nuts, berries, tea, coffee, and fish oils have been shown to strengthen the brain.

In addition to diet and exercise, sleep can often affect cognition and memory. This will also improve your levels of stress. Finally, challenging the brain with new activities and challenges can help promote new brain cells and improve neural pathways (Harvard Medical School, 2023).

Resource:

Harvard Medical School. (2023). Harvard Health. Www.health.harvard.edu. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/memory

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