Types of Memory

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Types of Memory

We have more than one type of memory and each has different characteristics.

Declarative memory

Information stored as declarative memories can be accessed consciously - we can think and talk about this knowledge in words.
There are two types of declarative memories: Semantic and Episodic.

Semantic memory

Semantic memory is knowledge of facts about the world and meaning of words. We are usually taught about semantic memories. Some examples are knowing
- What triggered the First World War.
- The meaning of the word “carbohydrates”.

Episodic memory

Episodic memories are memories of our own experiences and the events of our lives. Some examples are remembering
- Your first day as a teacher.
- What you had for dinner last night.

Non-declarative memory

Non-declarative memories are memories that we access without conscious awareness. They are usually created with practice and are retrieved automatically. A few examples are knowing how to
- Ride a bike.
- Swim.

Working memory

Declarative and non-declarative memory are both parts of our long-term memory system.
A different system is working memory, which is used to keep information in mind while we manipulate and use this information to complete a task.
If there are too many things to keep in mind at one time, then this may mean that someone's cognitive load is high.

Semantic vs Episodic Memory

Semantic and episodic memories are similar because they are both declarative memories. However, they also differ between each other.

Semantic Memory

Semantic memory stores facts, rules, meanings, concepts.
It is our database of knowledge.
- Vocabulary, grammar, maths concepts, historical dates.

Episodic Memory

Episodic memory stores the what, where and when of events.
It allows us to "mentally time travel" and remember our past experiences. This usually focuses on what happened, where it happened & when it happened.
Stores our personal and subjective experiences.

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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