1.2.1
Types of Memory
Complete the interactive activities in the Seneca app to work towards your CPD certificate.
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
1.2Types of Memory
2How Do We Learn?
2.1Neural Model of Learning
3Cognitive Load Theory
4Effective Strategies
4.1Rosenshine's Principles
4.2Dunlosky's Strategies
4.3Dylan Wiliam
4.4Daniel Willingham
4.5The Learning Scientists
Jump to other topics
1Memory
1.1Memory Processing
1.2Types of Memory
2How Do We Learn?
2.1Neural Model of Learning
3Cognitive Load Theory
4Effective Strategies
4.1Rosenshine's Principles
4.2Dunlosky's Strategies
4.3Dylan Wiliam
4.4Daniel Willingham
4.5The Learning Scientists
Practice questions on Types of Memory
Can you answer these? Complete these activities in the Seneca app to progress towards your certificate.
- 1Which of these is not an example of non-declarative memory?Multiple choice
- 2Which of the following is not a type of declarative memory?Multiple choice
- 3
- 4Which of these is an example of semantic memory?Multiple choice
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