“Memory, Trauma, and Learning: A Brain-Based Approach” by Ms. Robbins

What Is Memory and Why It Matters?

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-13 10:51:38 UTC

Memory Types:

Sensory Memory – Captures fleeting sensory info (e.g., sights, sounds).
Short-Term Memory (STM) – Holds limited info briefly (e.g., a phone number).
Long-Term Memory (LTM) – Stores info for extended periods (e.g., facts, experiences).

🧠 Brain Function:
The hippocampus helps move memories into long-term storage. Emotional or repeated learning strengthens this process.

Retention and Transfer

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-13 10:52:29 UTC

Retention = Remembering over time
Transfer = Using knowledge in new situations
👩‍🏫 Why it matters: Students need to not only memorize but apply knowledge.
✅ Retention + Transfer = Deep Learning

How Trauma Affects Memory

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-13 10:56:11 UTC

How Trauma Disrupts Learning:

Trauma overstimulates the amygdala (fear center)
Blocks the hippocampus (memory formation)
Impairs the prefrontal cortex (focus, reasoning)
😞 This causes memory gaps, trouble concentrating, and fear-based responses.

📖 Reference: Karemaker et al., 2022

: Strategy 1 – Make Meaningful Connections

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-13 10:58:26 UTC

✨ Help students connect lessons to personal experiences
🔗 Builds stronger emotional ties → better long-term memory
❤️ Especially helpful for students affected by trauma

Strategy 2 – Multisensory Teaching

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-13 11:05:08 UTC

Activate the Senses:
🎨 Combine visuals, sound, movement, and touch
🧠 Engages multiple brain regions
🎯 Improves retention and focus—especially helpful for trauma-affected learners

Strategy 3 – Repetition with Variation

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-13 11:07:54 UTC

🔁 Revisit content through games, discussions, and visuals
🛠️ Builds stronger neural pathways
📚 Students retain more and apply knowledge better

References

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-13 22:00:35 UTC

Immordino-Yang, M. H., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2019). The brain basis for integrated social, emotional, and academic development. Aspen Institute.
PDF Link

Karemaker, A., Tapia, M., & Verhaeghe, P. (2022). Trauma and memory: The neuroscience of disrupted learning. Educational Neuroscience, 9(3), 142–153. https://doi.org/10.1177/23969415211023843

Willis, J. (2021). The neuroscience of joyful education. Educational Leadership, 78(6), 70–74.

Van der Kolk, B. (2015). The body keeps the score. Penguin.

Teaching Teachers about Trauma

christirobbins14 — 2025-05-22 22:57:25 UTC

Stress is a normal and natural part of life. But why do some people manage stress well and build resiliency, while others seem to struggle? In this series of conversations, Dr. Bruce Perry explores the impact of stress and trauma on the brain, and the resulting effect on learning. His teachings have helped schools significantly decrease behavior problems and create safe learning environments.