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Declarative memory:

Declarative memory, also known as conscious or explicit memory, involves the recall of names, facts, music, and objects, such as knowing where you live or the type of car you own. This type of memory is processed by the hippocampus and cerebrum and can be divided into episodic memory, which relates to personal experiences, and semantic memory, which involves general knowledge (Sousa, 2022).

Nondeclarative memory:

Nondeclarative memory, also known as implicit memory, includes memories that cannot be easily declared or explained, such as knowing how to ride a bicycle. Unlike declarative memory, which involves recalling specific information like a Social Security number, nondeclarative memory encompasses skills and actions. It is generally categorized into procedural memory, perceptual representation system, classical conditioning, and non-associative learning (Sousa, 2022).

Emotional memory:

Emotional memory was once classified strictly as a type of nondeclarative memory, but researchers now recognize that it can be both implicit and explicit, depending on the situation. Regardless of the type, the amygdala in the limbic area plays a significant role in processing emotional learning and memory (Sousa, 2022).

Short term memory:

Can be split into two categories of immediate memory and working memory.

Immediate memory is how the brain processes large amounts of sensory data (Sousa, 2022).

Working memory is how the brain process, recall and use information on day to day basis (Sousa, 2022).

Sensory memory:

Sensory memories are short-term memories of recently experienced sensory stimuli, like sights and sounds. The visual form is known as iconic memory, while the auditory form is called echoic memory. Similar short-term memories likely exist for the other senses as well (Psychology Today, n.d.)

For example:

• The sound of an instrument just played.

• The appearance of a vehicle that drove by.

• The smell of a restaurant you passed.

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Memories are stored in fragmented pieces across different areas of the cerebrum and cerebellum, rather than as complete entities. For instance, elements like the shape, color, and smell of an object are stored in separate neural sets, and recalling them together reconstructs the full memory. This distributed storage allows for multiple retrieval opportunities, especially when new learning is connected to past experiences through numerous associations, enhancing understanding and retention (Sousa, 2022).

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Understanding memory is critical for educators because, it directly affects how students learn, retain and apply information. Hence, by grasping how memory works educators can tailor or design instructional strategies that increase learning and improve retention of new content. Additionally, this can help educators address learning challenges and create a conducive instructional environment that increases memory retention.

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Encoding, storing and retrieval:

Retrieval is essential for a stored memory to serve a useful purpose, with working memory retrieval taking less than 50 milliseconds. However, retrieving memories from long-term storage can be more complex and time-consuming. Interestingly, encoding information into memory primarily engages the left hemisphere, while retrieval involves the right hemisphere, and both processes activate different neural systems in the frontal lobes. The brain retrieves long-term memories using two methods: recognition, which matches external stimuli with stored information, and recall (Sousa, 2022).

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Working memory, which has limited capacity, benefits from chunking and repetition, while long-term memory, which has greater capacity, stores information that is explicitly or implicitly recalled (Edutopia, 2021). Understanding these memory types helps students retain and retrieve information more effectively, leading to better learning outcomes (Edutopia, 2021). A few research-backed strategies that can aid in the memory process when considering various implications and the unique needs of learners who may have experienced trauma are; activating background knowledge, the usage of retrieval practice, contextualizing learning, and usage of interleaved practice (Edutopia, 2021).

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Why is memory essential in the classroom?

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Why is memory essential in the classroom?

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Memory is critical in the classroom setting because it builds learning and the ability to retain and apply knowledge, skill development, critical thinking, problem solving, active participation and daily routines/ procedures.

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How the brain responds to trauma in the frontal lobe, cerebellum and amygdala 

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The frontal lobes play vital roles in how the brain functions.  Trauma to the frontal lobe can cause dramatic and often times permanent behavior and personality changes, including loss of speech and difficulties with memory (Sousa, 2022). As we know, the frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions such as planning, impulse control, and emotional regulation and is one of the last areas of the brain to fully develop. Trauma can disrupt this development, leading to difficulties in these areas. This may result in problems with decision-making, controlling impulses, and managing emotions.  According to Greenberg, when trauma occurs, weaker connections between neurons in a brain network may make it harder for your brain to perform certain functions, such as concentrating on a task without interruption or inhibiting unhelpful thought patterns or destructive impulses. (Greenberg.M, 2021). Unprocessed trauma memories are thought to be stored in your brain in a way that is disconnected from the overall context (Greenberg.M, 2021).

How the brain responds to trauma in the cerebellum

The cerebellum plays critical roles in fine tuning motor skills, coordination, procedural memory and other cognitive skills (Sousa,2022).  Consequently, if trauma occurs in the cerebellum there will be adverse effects in the above roles. In the event that trauma occurs to the cerebellum and effects balance and coordinating muscle movements, this trauma can lead to lack of coordination, causing unsteady movements, difficulty walking, and problems with balance. Notably, because the cerebellum assist with writing and drawing when damage occurs learners can have it challenges performing tasks that require precision and dexterity, difficulty in executing smooth, coordinated movements ( Blithikioti, 2022). All in all, trauma to the cerebellum can significantly impact coordination, motor skills, learning of new tasks, speech, and even cognitive and emotional regulation.

How the brain responds to trauma in the amygdala

The amygdala, plays a crucial role in processing emotions, especially fear, and in regulating survival-related behaviors like deciding when to attack, escape, mate, or eat (Sousa, 2022). How the amygdala responds to trauma is very critical. When someone experiences trauma, the amygdala becomes highly activated, affecting how the brain processes information, responds to stress, and interacts with the environment (Sousa,2022).  According to the text, when triggered into a trauma state, it becomes difficult to assess your usual strengths and coping strategies. The brain regions responsible for self-assertion, emotional regulation, calming negative thoughts, making mindful decisions, and assessing risks are not strongly connected to the intense "raw" trauma memories, making it challenging to calm down and regain control (Greenberg, 2021).

How the brain responds to trauma in the hippocampus

According to Sousa, trauma significantly impacts the brain, particularly the hippocampus, which plays a vital role in learning, memory, and emotional regulation. The hippocampus is highly sensitive to stress and trauma, and its function can be disrupted by traumatic experiences (Sousa,2022). As mentioned in the text, the hippocampus and the amygdala work closely together which is the processing of emotions. When trauma occurs, this can lead to an overactive amygdala and an underactive hippocampus. This imbalance makes it difficult for the hippocampus to regulate the emotional responses triggered by the amygdala, leading to heightened fear responses and difficulty calming down after being triggered (Sousa, 2022).

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Challenges faced by learners in the classroom setting who have experiences trauma. 

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Challenges faced by learners in the classroom setting who have experiences trauma. 

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Scholars (learners) in the classroom who have faced trauma can face serval challenges that have great impacts on their ability to thrive in the classroom. For example:

Difficulty with focusing

Memory and retention

Emotional regulation

Fear of failure

Behavioral challenges

As professional educators we can support students with trauma by creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

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How Teachers Can Use Mindfulness in the Classroom | Natalie Gruber

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Trauma informed approaches in the classroom setting.

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Mindfulness techniques can be very beneficial for students who have experienced trauma by helping learners; manage stress, regulate their emotions and increase their overall sense of safety and well being in the instructional setting. Additionally, promoting or integrating mindfulness techniques in the classroom can create a nurturing environment for all learners, especially those who have experienced some form of trauma.

A deeper look into mindfulness

According to Creswell and Khoury, mindfulness practice has become increasingly popular in both educational and professional settings, due to its potential to enhance cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being of individuals (Creswell & Khoury, 2019).  According to the text, meditation is a practice that involves training your attention to reach a state of calm concentration, and positive emotions. Mindfulness, a common form of meditation, focuses on two main aspects, attention and acceptance. The attention aspect involves being fully present and aware of your current experiences, such as your breath, thoughts, bodily sensations, and emotions (Creswell & Khoury, 2019). The acceptance aspect involves observing these experiences without judgment, simply acknowledging them without reacting or holding on to them (Creswell & Khoury, 2019).

Moreover, research has shown that mindfulness meditation can influence memory. According to Bart Mendel in the Mindworks article, a study published in a reputable cognition journal found that meditating for 20 minutes daily enhances memory and concentration. Even brief daily mindfulness meditation can change brain structure, strengthening areas responsible for memory, focus, and self-awareness, while reducing regions linked to stress and anxiety (Bart Mendel, 2024)

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References

1. Blithikioti, C., Nuno, L., Guell, X., Pascual-Diaz, S., Gual, A., Balcells-Olivero, M., & Miquel, L. (2022). The cerebellum and psychological trauma: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Neurobiology Of Stress, 17. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100429

2. Creswell, J. D., & Khoury, B. (2019, October 30). Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation

3. Greenberg, M. (2021). Understanding the trauma brain. Phycology Today, Sussex Publishers. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-mindful-self-express/202106/understanding-the-trauma-brain

4. Mendel, B., & Mindworks Team. (2024). Does meditation improve memory? Mindworks. https://mindworks.org/blog/does-meditation-improve-memory/

5. Morrison, R. (2017, April 7). Understanding trauma: Learning brain vs. survival brain [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/2kXNkAoGYtY

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

7. PureJoy Parenting. (2020, April 22). How trauma affects kids in school [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/7-1Y6IbAxdM

8. Sousa, D.A.(2022). How the brain learns. Sixth Edition. Corwin Press, Inc. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9781071855348/epub/OEBPS/toc.html#page_x

9. Stanford Graduate School of Education. (2021, February 10). Mindfulness in education: Supporting students with trauma [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/wdUR69J2u6c

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Effective stratgies that can improve memory and retention are

1. Usage of mnemonic devices

When students have the opportunity to use mnemonic devices this aids in helping learners recall information (metacognition) through acronyms, visual imagery and through other associations.

2. Active learning techniques

Technique's such as the usage of hands-on activities, meaningful group discussions or peer teaching can aid in helping students retain and transfer information. Students are able to process information deeply and and apply this technique to various context to enhance memory.

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Patrice Mickens
College of Education, Grand Canyon University

TCH-520: Brain Based Learning

Edward Cox

September 12, 2024