Information Processing
Teachers must help students get information into their long term memory. What are some ways to get things into long term memory? How can students think about things to keep them in long term memory? Using “Mnemonic devices” can be helpful. Utilizing “prior knowledge” is also an important element in developing long term memory.
Memory 1. Immediate memory = in and out 2. Short term memory = 15-30 seconds 3. Long term memory = Some memory/learning devices 1. Make up a story which includes the details of the desired knowledge. 2. Use “chunking” – i.e., grouping things together (e.g., grouping telephone numbers). 3. Create acronyms (first letters of a series of words) a. Shopping list = vegetables, eggs, milk = VEM 4. Write things down. Because writing is a tactile activity, people tend to remember knowledge longer if they have done a physical activity. 5. Draw a picture. 6. Create a poem or song. 7. Heirarchical learning 8. Concept maps 9. Mnemonic devices Prior knowledge and long term learning Heirarchical devices Visual learners versus auditory learners Concept maps See: https://ctl.byu.edu/tip/concept-mapping Example of a concept map related to “Motivation” False Memory Dr. Loftless did experiments “false memory” research. Several examples: 1. Using “smashed” vs. “hit” predisposed listeners to create a false memory of the speed of a vehicle collision. 2. Creating a false memory about getting lost in a shopping mall. If people reinforce such a false memory with supporting details (details which are actually false). This illustrates the power that people have to create false memories in other people by repeating something or falsely elaborating on a story. 3. Might politicians be able to use this idea to spread false knowledge or false memories to advance their personal political goals. 4.