Memory by Mary Chappell

LONG-TERM MEMORY

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 21:19:55 UTC

Long-term memories are memories that have been retained over a span of time. They make us, us. They include things we can remember even after time as passed such as facts, skills, and processes. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Long-term memory is important in the classroom because it allows students to recall previously learned concepts. If information isn't stored in long-term memory and students aren't able to recall what was taught to them in previous grades, teachers would have to constantly be reteaching instead of building on concepts.

SHORT-TERM MEMORY

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 21:24:59 UTC

Short-term memory refers to when information is stored briefly, for a short period of time. For example, the name of someone you just met. (Psychology Today, 2024). Short-term memory is important at school because it's how students follow instructions and hold on to sounds to read words and sentences and comprehend what they have read.

SENSORY MEMORY

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 21:28:37 UTC

Sensory memories are short-term memories related to sensory stimulants such as sights and sounds. For example, the smell of a flower, the look of a car that just passed, or a note just played by an instrument. (Psychology Today, 2024). Sensory memory is used in school when students take movement breaks, use an agility ladder, squeeze a stress ball, role play or do stretches. These activities can help students focus. (Teach Magazine, 2024).

RETENTION AND TRANSFER

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 21:31:25 UTC

When information is retained, it can be found, indicated, and recalled in the future. Rehearsal is reprocessing information, and this must be done in order for facts to be transferred to long-term memory. Learners must be given adequate time for the rehearsal process in order for information to be retained in such a way it can actually be used. Retention depends on the instructional method used, and there are multiple ways teachers deliver content. Massed and distributed practice over time helps retention of learning (Sousa, 2022).

HOW TRAUMA EFFECTS MEMORY

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 21:44:34 UTC

High impact sports are an example of something that can cause brain damage. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). When the frontal lobes of the brain experience trauma, people can experience trouble with their memory. Working memory mostly happens here, so this can affect focus. (Sousa, 2022). Brains are also impacted by emotional trauma. Someone who has experienced trauma might over or under react to stressors. Trauma can also create "fixed neural networks" and make it difficult to differentiate between the past and present and access the appropriate coping strategies. (Greenberg, 2024).

STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MEMORY AND RETENTION

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 21:46:33 UTC

Exercise increases the growth of brain cells and neurotransmitter production, which improves memory. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). To help this happen, teachers can have their students take motor breaks or do other exercises during class. Mindfulness activities and interactions/group work with peers could be worked into the school day which helps slow the aging process of the brain. Puzzles, board games, and other activities throughout the day can also help keep students' memories strong. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Students who have experienced trauma may benefit from regular visits with the school counselor or social worker in addition to the activities previously described.

REFERENCES

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 21:47:41 UTC

Greenberg, M. (2024). Understanding the trauma brain. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-mindful-self-express/202106/understanding-the-trauma-brain

Harvard Health Publishing. (2024). Memory. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/memory

Psychology Today. (2024). Types of memory. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/memory/types-of-memory

Teach Magazine. (2024). Implementing 4 types of memory in your classroom. https://teachmag.com/archives/4823

THE BRAIN WHEN MEMORIES ARE ESTABLISHED

mchappell8 — 2024-09-10 23:11:22 UTC

When memories are made, their parts are stored in the hippocampus. The amygdala determines how important the memory is and sends different parts of the memory to the cerebral cortex. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024).