# data[].attributes.body
Memory is a cognitive process that makes an individual. It allows a person to store and retrieve information. It is critical not only in life but in education and professional environments. Memory influences learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. There are many types of memories such as; long and short-term memory, and sensory memory.

Long-term memory includes the information that makes you an individual. It holds facts, skills, and processes such as typing (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Long-term memory is important because it allows us to build on past learning and apply it to new situations.

Short-term memory, also known as working memory, contains information that you need to remember for a few seconds or minutes (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). It is essential for completing tasks that require active thinking and processing. An example would be problem-solving and comprehension. It is used to recall information needed within minutes. An example of short-term memory is remembering a phone number before dialing,

Sensory memory consists of sight, smell, and sound (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). This type of memory holds information for a very brief period. An example would be visual-spatial memory (remembering how to get to the store) ( Psychology Today, 2024).

In education understanding how memory can help create and implement developmentally appropriate teaching and learning strategies. In the professional setting, memory is crucial for acquiring new skills, adapting to changes, and making decisions.

When the brain is establishing memories, it is sent to the hippocampus. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). It processes a memory as either important or emotionally powerful (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Afterward, it distributes the memory to the cerebrum and the cerebellum.(Sousa,2022).

# data[].attributes.body
Retention refers to the process of long-term memory categorizing learning in a way that it can locate, identify, and retrieve in the future. This function is influenced by factors that include student focus, rehearsal, and attributes of the learner (Sousa,2022).  To ensure retention, the learner must have enough time to process and reprocess the information. This process is called rehearsal, which is a crucial part of transferences. Another type of rehearsal is rote rehearsal, which is when the learner needs to remember and store information exactly as it is entering the working memory (Sousa,2022). Students need this to make connections to prior knowledge and give meaning. When a student is not given a desirable time to reprocess the information the learner is often unable to recognize its value for generating new ideas, concepts, and solutions (Sousa,2022).

Next is transfer during learning, this process starts with both work memory and long-term memory that is aroused by the hippocampus. They simultaneously search the long-term storage for any prior knowledge that is similar to new information. If the learner has prior knowledge of the new learning, the memory networks are initiated and the memories are moved into working memory (Sousa,2022).

# data[].attributes.body
When someone experiences trauma there are a few areas of the brain that are affected. These areas include the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. First, the amygdala is responsible for sensing threats and activating the “Fight or Flight” response (Kubala, 2021). With a traumatic event, the amygdala becomes heightened setting off stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This arousal helps the individual respond quickly to danger potentially leading to intense emotional memories.

A second area that is affected is the hippocampus, which is used for the formation and retrieval of memories. Chronic trauma can impair this part of the brain making it hard to form new memories and retrieve old ones. You are unable to recognize the past and present (Kubala, 2021).

Large amounts of cortisol can damage hippocampal neurons, affecting memory consolidation.

Lastly, the prefrontal cortex involves making decisions, problem-solving, and responses (Kubala,2021). Trauma can decrease the functioning of the prefrontal cortex, leading to impaired judgment, difficulty focusing, and problems with working memory. Trauma has many effects on a person’s memory. One effect is intrusive memories, where they involuntarily relieve parts of the event.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Helping students make connections between new information, past knowledge, and personal experiences. Relating new skills and content to the real world -applications that are significant to the learner’s lives. For example, using baseball to teach math skills. This will support students who have experienced trauma by relating learning to familiar contexts, this can provide a sense of safety and stability.  This also improves memory by building on prior knowledge creating a stronger neural pathway and aiding in retention.

2. Implementing social-emotional learning to teach learners how to regulate emotions, set goals, and establish positive relationships. This strategy incorporates deep breathing and meditation to encourage students to cope with stress and stay focused. This will help students manage emotions effectively which can lead to improved students’ ability to concentrate and retain information. Creating a positive learning environment can improve learning outcomes and decrease the impact of trauma.

# data[].attributes.body
Harvard Health Publishing. ( 2024). Memory. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/memory

Kubala, Kendra. ( 2021). The science behind ptsd symptoms: how trauma changes the brain. PsychCentral. https://psychcentral.com/ptsd/the-science-behind-ptsd-symptoms-how-trauma-changes-the-brain

Sousa, D. A. (2022). How the brain learns. (6th ed). Sage Publishing. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9781071855348/epub/OEBPS/s9781071855324.i19.html#page_iii