Memory and Transfer by Vanessa Basile

Sensory Memory

vbasile — 2025-09-04 01:30:46 UTC

Sensory memory is the first stage of memory. This is the stage where incoming information from the senses, such as sight, sound, and smell, is registered briefly before it either fades away or is transferred to short-term memory for further processing. Sensory memory acts as a temporary holding area that allows the brain to process an overwhelming amount of sensory input quickly and decide what is worth paying attention to (DiTullio, 2021).

vbasile — 2025-09-04 01:33:10 UTC

Short-Term/Working Memory

vbasile — 2025-09-04 01:44:35 UTC

Short-term, or working memory, is like your brain’s workspace, it holds a small amount of information just long enough for you to use it. It helps you solve problems, follow directions, and make sense of what you’re reading. Short-term memory can only do so much at one time. If too much information is thrown at it, it gets overloaded (DiTullio, 2021).

Long-term Memory

vbasile — 2025-09-04 01:56:39 UTC

Long-term memory is like your brain’s storage closet. It keeps information for hours, days, or even your whole life. Long-term memory holds a large amount of information, from facts and events you can explain to skills you just know how to do without thinking, like riding a bike or tying your shoes(Harvard Health, n.d.).

How Memory Works

vbasile — 2025-09-04 02:10:30 UTC

Our brain cells make connections when we learn something new. Repeating things or doing them in a meaningful way makes these connections stronger!

Key Players in memory

vbasile — 2025-09-04 02:14:22 UTC

What Memory Retention and Memory Transfer

vbasile — 2025-09-04 02:41:18 UTC

Memory retention or the ability to maintain information in long-term memory, is a process influenced by a variety of strategies and factors. Research from DiTullio(2021) highlights that connecting new information to students' prior knowledge is important for storing what they're learning in long-term memory.

Memory Transfer is the ability to apply previously learned information or skills in new contexts that may not relate to the original piece of information. According to DiTullio (2021), memory transfer is strengthened when students connect what they’ve learned to real-world situations, reflect on their own experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Trauma

vbasile — 2025-09-04 02:52:38 UTC

Trauma changes the way the brain functions. Some of the main areas where we see these changes are in areas that control memory and emotion. The hippocampus can have trouble forming new memories after trauma (Psych Central, n.d.). The amygdala can become overactive, possibly making scary or emotional memories feel stronger (Psych Central, n.d.). Trauma can also weaken the connection between the prefrontal cortex, which helps us control emotions and focus, and the amygdala, making it harder to stay calm and pay attention (Psych Central, n.d.) Trauma can make memories appear mixed up or incomplete.

vbasile — 2025-09-04 03:07:43 UTC

vbasile — 2025-09-04 03:14:05 UTC

DiTullio, G. (2021). How to Engage Students’ Memory Processes to Improve Learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-engage-students-memory-processes-improve-learning

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Memory. Harvard Health. http://health.harvard.edu/topics/memory

Neuroscience News. (2022). Salience network alterations after trauma. https://neurosciencenews.com/salience-network-trauma-22026/

Psych Central. (n.d.). The science behind PTSD symptoms: How trauma changes the brain. https://psychcentral.com/ptsd/the-science-behind-ptsd-symptoms-how-trauma-changes-the-brain#trauma-and-the-brain