HOW TO MANAGE MEMORY

Applicability to Learning and Strategies for Better Management of Memory

Applicability to Learning

Memory and learning are so closely connected that we often confuse them with each other. Memory and learning are closely related concepts. Learning is the acquisition of skill or knowledge, while memory is the expression of what you’ve acquired. Acquisition of skills and knowledge occurs slowly and laboriously in learning. But, if acquisition occurs instantly, that’s making a memory.

Example: If you learn to play the piano over months of practice, that is learning. However, remembering how to play a song you’ve already learned is an act of memory.

Learning is a process that modifies a subsequent behaviour. Memory is the ability to remember past experiences. We learn a new language by studying it, but then we speak it by using your memory to retrieve the words that we have learned earlier. Memory is essential to all learning; because it lets you store and retrieve the information that we learn.

Example: When you learn French by studying vocabulary and grammar, that's learning. When you later recall those words to speak with someone, that’s memory at work.

Memory is basically nothing more than the record left by a learning process. Thus, memory depends on learning. But learning also depends on memory, because the knowledge stored in your memory provides the framework to which you link new knowledge, by association.

Strategies for Better Management of Memory

Learning is the most important factor of memory. Improvement of memory to a large extent rests upon this factor which can be improved by training. Improving in learning is mainly influenced by the following requirements:

• a) Will to learn: A strong desire or willingness to learn is essential for effective memory and retention.
Example: A student who loves history will likely remember historical dates and events more easily than someone who finds the subject boring, because their interest motivates them to learn and remember.
• b) Interest and attention while learning: Paying attention during the learning process is crucial. Interest naturally fosters attention, and attention is vital for memory formation.
Example: A person who pays full attention during a chemistry lecture will likely retain more information than someone who is distracted by their phone.
• c) Adopting proper method of memorization: Using effective memorization techniques can significantly enhance memory.
Example: To memorize a long number like 149217762021, chunking it as 1492 (Columbus' voyage), 1776 (American Independence), and 2021 (recent year) makes it easier to recall.
• d) Following the principles of association: Association is the process of linking new information to something already known.
Example: Learning that the word "cat" in Spanish is "gato" becomes easier if you associate it with the image of a cat and the sound of a "meow" in your mind.
• e) Grouping and rhythm: Grouping related items together or using rhythm can aid memory.
Example: Grouping shopping items like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products instead of remembering each individual item helps improve recall.
• f) Utilizing as many senses as possible: Involving multiple senses in the learning process can boost memory.
Example: If you’re studying biology, looking at diagrams (visual), reading out loud (auditory), and physically drawing or labeling parts of a cell (kinesthetic) will help solidify the information in your memory.
• g) Arranging better learning situations like calm and quiet atmosphere: Creating an optimal learning environment is key to improving memory.
Example: Studying in a quiet library versus a noisy café will help you concentrate better and remember more of what you’ve studied.
• h) The learner’s internal factors: physical and mental health, emotional state, etc.: A learner’s overall health, both physical and mental, plays a significant role in memory.
Example: A well-rested and healthy student will recall information better during an exam compared to a sleep-deprived or stressed student.
• i) Provision for change and proper rest: Taking breaks and allowing for periods of rest during the learning process is essential.
Example: Studying for 50 minutes and then taking a 10-minute break allows your brain to rest and better retain the information you’ve just learned.
• j) Repetition and practice: Repetition is one of the most effective memory strategies.
Example: Repeating vocabulary words over several days or quizzing yourself repeatedly on key concepts ensures they remain in your long-term memory.
• k) Use of modern technology: Technology can be an excellent tool for memory improvement.
Example: Apps like Anki or Quizlet use flashcards and spaced repetition techniques to help students memorize everything from languages to medical terms.
• l) Making use of SQ4R technique: The SQ4R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review, Reflect) is a structured approach to learning that promotes better understanding and retention.
Example: When studying a chapter, first skim through it (Survey), then ask yourself questions about the content (Question), read thoroughly (Read), summarize it out loud (Recite), review key points (Review), and think critically about what you've learned (Reflect).
• m) Making use of mnemonics: Mnemonics are techniques used to help remember information by associating it with simpler ideas, patterns, or phrases.
Example: To remember the order of operations in math, many students use the mnemonic "PEMDAS" (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction). Mnemonic devices are tools that help you remember information through associations. For example, to remember the order of the planets in our solar system, you can use the acronym “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles” (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
Example:Chunking involves breaking down large pieces of information into smaller, manageable units. For instance, to remember a phone number like 1234567890, you can chunk it into 123-456-7890.