Overview of Memory

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What is Memory?

Here are two great definitions of memory.

University College London definition

The process of taking in information from the outside world, storing it in the brain, and later recalling the information to answer a question, solve a problem, make a decision or do something else.

Psychology Today definition

Without memory, it is not possible to learn new things, form long-lasting relationships or function in normal situations.
Memory allows our brain to encode, store and retrieve pieces of information.

Emotional Memory

Emotion is a powerful modulator of memory. We remember emotional events more than neutral events.

Amygdala

In the brain, the main structure involved in emotions is called the amygdala.
The amygdala influences memory processing in other brain areas, such as the hippocampus.

Stages of memory

Emotions can affect all of the stages of memory processing.
- Encoding.
- Consolidation.
- Retrieval.
- Reconsolidation.

Children

Research shows that children usually have stronger memories of positive events.
Positive emotions, like laughter or joy can help children to memorise details of events or other important knowledge.

Curiosity

Anticipation or curiosity before learning new content can also improve students' memory.
Using students' natural curiosity seems to be a good way to help them learn information.

1Memory

1.1Memory Processing

1.1.1Overview of Memory

1.1.2Memory Processing

1.2Types of Memory

1.2.1Types of Memory

1.2.2Working Memory

2How Do We Learn?

2.1Neural Model of Learning

2.1.1Neural Model of Learning

2.1.2Desirable Difficulties

2.1.3The Forgetting Curve

3Cognitive Load Theory

3.1CLT

3.1.1CLT

3.1.2Background Knowledge

4Effective Strategies

4.1Rosenshine's Principles

4.1.1Rosenshine's Top 1-5

4.1.2Rosenshine's 6-10

4.2Dunlosky's Strategies

4.2.1Dunlosky's Strategies

4.3Dylan Wiliam

4.3.1Dylan Wiliam

4.4Daniel Willingham

4.4.1Daniel Willingham

4.5The Learning Scientists

4.5.1The Learning Scientists

4.5.2Practical Ideas

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