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Psychologists and academics describe memory as the long-term retention and retrieval of knowledge. Our memory is frequently compared to a computer's information system. To recall an event, information must be encoded in our brain, stored, and then retrieved (Sousa, 2022).

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Retention refers to the ability to store and maintain information over time. Effective retention means that learned information can be recalled accurately and efficiently when needed. Retention is crucial for building a knowledge base that supports ongoing learning and application.

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Trauma can significantly impact the brain, particularly areas involved in memory:

Hippocampus: Essential for forming new memories, the hippocampus can be affected by trauma, leading to difficulties in creating and retrieving new memories.

Amygdala: Involved in emotional responses, the amygdala can cause heightened emotional responses and intrusive memories when triggered by trauma.

Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for higher-order thinking and regulation of emotions, trauma can impair the prefrontal cortex, leading to difficulties in concentrating and organizing thoughts (Roux, Leger, & Freret, 2020).

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Long-term memories contain the knowledge that defines you—not simply facts or experiences, but also abilities and processes. Long-term memory is both resilient and malleable; a memory can evolve as a result of repeating a narrative or learning new information after the event.

Long-term memory (LTM) is crucial for storing vast amounts of information over extended periods of time. It enables learners and professionals to build on previous knowledge, develop expertise, and retrieve information when needed. LTM supports the continuous learning process, allowing individuals to apply acquired knowledge to new situations, thus enhancing problem-solving and innovation (Sousa, 2022).

The process of establishing long-term memory involves the consolidation of information from short-term to long-term storage, primarily in the hippocampus, before being distributed to the neocortex for permanent storage. Synaptic plasticity, which builds neuronal connections, helps to facilitate this process. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is an important process that underpins synapse strengthening and is required for the creation of long-lasting memories (Sousa, 2022).

Some examples of long-term memory include the following:

A professional remembers procedures for performing specific tasks months after initial training, applying this knowledge to new projects.

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Roux, C. M., Leger, M., & Freret, T. (2020). Memory disorders related to hippocampal function: The interest of 5-HT4Rs targeting. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00123

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Transfer is the application of learned knowledge or skills to new situations. It can be divided into two types:

Near Transfer: Applying learned skills to similar contexts (e.g., using math skills learned in class to solve homework problems).

Far Transfer: Applying learned skills to different and broader contexts (e.g., using problem-solving skills learned in math to tackle a real-world problem) (Sousa, 2022).

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Trauma can cause various memory-related issues:

Fragmented Memories: Trauma can result in fragmented and disorganized memories that are difficult to recall coherently.

Intrusive Memories: Traumatic events can lead to intrusive memories or flashbacks, where the individual re-experiences the traumatic event involuntarily.

Memory Suppression: Some individuals may unconsciously suppress traumatic memories as a coping mechanism, leading to gaps in memory.

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Short-term memories include information that only has to be remembered for a few seconds or minutes. If you're turning at an intersection, the fact that there were no automobiles approaching from the left is significant, but once you've turned, you'll rapidly disregard the knowledge because it's no longer relevant. Having it close by would needlessly complicate your thinking.

Short-term memory (STM) is vital for holding and manipulating information temporarily. It is essential for tasks such as problem-solving, decision-making, and comprehension. In educational settings, STM enables learners to follow instructions, retain information during lectures, and engage in active learning. In professional settings, STM allows for the retention and use of information needed to perform tasks efficiently (Eichenbaum, 2022).

The establishment of short-term memory involves the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Information is actively maintained and manipulated in the prefrontal cortex, while the hippocampus plays a role in consolidating information for long-term storage if necessary. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine are involved in modulating attention and memory processes (Eichenbaum, 2022).

Some examples of short-term memory include the following:

A learner remembers a phone number just long enough to dial it.

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In our immediate memory, our brain is processing information from our environment and sorting it for relevance and/or survival (Sousa, 2022).

Sensory memory plays a crucial role in learning as it acts as the initial stage for information processing. It briefly holds sensory information from the environment, allowing the brain to process and filter essential details for further processing. This rapid information retention enables learners to focus on pertinent stimuli and ignore irrelevant ones, facilitating effective learning and information absorption (Eichenbaum, 2022).

When sensory memory is established, sensory receptors in the brain are activated, and neural signals are transmitted to the sensory cortices. For example, visual information is processed in the occipital lobe, while auditory information is processed in the temporal lobe. These sensory cortices briefly hold the sensory input before it is either discarded or transferred to short-term memory for further processing (Eichenbaum, 2022).

Some examples of sensory memory include the following:

A student briefly sees a diagram on the board and retains its image long enough to draw it in their notebook.

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Eichenbaum, H. (2022). On the integration of space, time, and memory. Neuron, 109(19), 3125-3140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.005

Sousa, D. A. (2022). How the brain learns (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

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Description: Encourage learners to make connections between new information and their existing knowledge or personal experiences.

Application in Education:

Example: When teaching historical events, relate them to students' lives or current events to make the content more relatable and memorable.

Effectiveness: This strategy leverages the brain's natural tendency to create associations, enhancing retention by embedding new information within a broader, more familiar context (Daniels, 2020).

Impact on Trauma-Affected Learners:

Helps in creating a safe and supportive learning environment where learners can connect new information to positive experiences or strengths, reducing the emotional burden of learning.

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Description: Incorporate multisensory learning experiences to engage different sensory pathways and reinforce learning.

Application in Education:

Example: Use visual aids, hands-on activities, and auditory materials to teach a concept, ensuring that students engage with the content through multiple senses.

Effectiveness: Multisensory learning can enhance memory retention by creating multiple neural pathways for recalling information, making it easier to retrieve and apply knowledge.

Impact on Trauma-Affected Learners:

Sensory experiences can provide grounding and help in managing anxiety or stress, making the learning environment more inclusive and supportive for those with trauma (Daniels, 2020).

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Daniels, S. (2020). Visual learning and teaching: An essential guide for educators K-8. Free Spirit Publishing.

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Retention and transfer are essential components of effective learning:

Retention ensures that information is available for future use.

Transfer demonstrates the flexibility and applicability of knowledge and skills across different scenarios.

Together, retention and transfer facilitate the integration of new knowledge into existing cognitive frameworks and its application to diverse contexts, enhancing overall learning outcomes.

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Sousa, D. A. (2022). How the brain learns (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.