Learning and Memory Fact Sheet

Memory, what is it and why is it important to me?

When you’re young, it is easy to believe that you don’t need to focus on tips and tricks to improve your memory. “Memory encoding allows information to be converted into a construct that is stored in the brain indefinitely,” (Lumen, 2022).

Photo 1: MentalUP, 2022

Photo 2: Zimmermann, 2014

The memory uses different ways to encode memories to short-term and long-term memory: (1) Visual; (2) Acoustic; (3) Elaborative; and (4) Semantic (Lumen, 2022).

Memory consolidation is the next step in the process, and it can take hours, weeks, months or even years (McGaugh, 2010). This is essentially the process in which your memories get filed into file cabinets and sorted into short-term or long-term memory.

Once memories are sorted into their respective files, information that flowed from the cortex “the part of the brain rich in nerve cells, to the hippocampus, the central switching point for memories,” (FAU, 2019) the memories would then flow the opposite direction to be retrieved.

Holecko, 2021

Fleeman, 2015

Maddox, 2018

Physical activity is important in improving memory, staying physically active at least 150 minutes per week moderately, or 75 minutes per week vigorously will help (Mayo Clinic, 2022). By getting organized and getting good sleep these things can help improve your memory as well! You’ll be less likely to forget where you put things, and you getting enough sleep can lead to a healthier lifestyle (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Imagine playing with your friends, putting your books away and going to bed when your parents say go to bed—it’s that easy!

Karpicke, 2016.

One way to keep your learning and memory sharp – is to use what you know (Karpicke, 2016)! You would hope that once an individual learns something that they will continue using it, but if you don’t keep using it… you could lose it. USE IT OR LOSE IT. You’ve probably heard your mom say this at least once, huh?

A second trick to storing short-term memories into your long-term memories you should focus your attention on the information you are learning (Cherry, 2019). “Getting rid of distractions might be a challenge, especially if you are surrounded by boisterous roommates or noisy children,” (Cherry, 2019). Reading new material outloud can also significantly improve your memory of the material you are researching (Cherry, 2019). Reading out loud can take longer, but it forces you to focus on the material you are reviewing. It can also be a way to help you study with friends, as you can each take turns reading aloud to each other.

Resources

Cherry, K. 2019. 11 Methods for Improving Your Memory. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/great-

ways-to-improve-your-memory-2795356

FAU. 2022. How The Brain Stores Memory. FAU. https://www.fau.eu/2019/11/12/news/research/how-the-brain-

stores-memories/

Fleeman, H. 2015. Get Organized. Math Clix. https://mathclix.com/math/get-organized

Holecko, C. 2021. School-Aged Kids and Physical Activity. Very Well Family.

https://www.verywellfamily.com/fitness-and-physical-activities-for-school-aged-kids-1257209

Karpicke, J. D. 2016. A Powerful Way to Improve Learning and Memory. American Psychological Association.

https://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2016/06/learning-memory

Lumen. 2022. Introduction to Memory Encoding. Lumen Learning. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-

psychology/chapter/step-1-memory-encoding/

Maddox, C. 2018. 6 Sleep Tips to Make You More Productive During the Day. Calendar.

https://www.calendar.com/blog/_-sleep-tips-to-make-you-more-productive-during-the-day/

Mayo Clinic. 2022. Memory Loss: 7 Tips to Improve Your Memory. Mayo Clinic.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046518

McGaugh, R. R. J. L. 2010. Memory Consolidation. Science Direct.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/memory-consolidation

MentalUp. 2022. How to Improve Visual and Echoic Memory? MentalUP. https://www.mentalup.co/blog/what-is-

visual-echoic-memory-how-to-improve

Zimmermann, K. A. 2014. Semantic Memory: Definition & Examples. Live Science.

https://www.livescience.com/42920-semantic-memory.html