Memories

What is memory? Memory is our ability to receive, retain and retrieve ideas and information from our brain. Our memory is selective and we tend to remember good times much better than the bad times. When we�re nervous, our memory works very poorly, confusing almost everything that we have remembered. Our working memory receives information through our senses. If we see it, say it, hear it, and do it in a revision session, we�ll be able to remember the information much more longer.

Short Term Memory

Short term memory is like the RAM on your computer. It is limited in capacity and it�s the centre for about 7 pieces of information. When we add an item to short term memory, the new item pushes out one of the older ones. Your short term memory can retain (for short periods of time) information, which you partially �understand�, like telephone numbers, but you require �understanding� to receive and retain information for your longer term memory.

Medium Term Memory

Medium Term Memory can store data (information and ideas) for longer periods of time. Information can only be received into medium term memory by regularly using that information. Even if we use the information regularly, a long period of inactivity will cause the memory to disappear. Our medium term memory is like the hard disk on our computer.

Long Term Memory

Long term memory is so deep that it can actually change the structure of our brain. Even if we don�t use the information in our long term memory regularly, the memory is still retained within our brain.

Why do we forget?

- Poor understanding of the information

- Poor attention

- Distractions

- Anxiety, mood and stress

- New information being confused with old

- Poor learning strategy

- Lack of importance (you don�t care about what you don�t value)

- Improper organisation

Strategies to Remember

- Rhymes - �I before E except after C�

- Physical Prompts - using our fist to remember the number of days in each month

- Memory Workouts - read, cover, write, say, check, and repeat

- Visualization Prompts

- Sound Prompts

* sources listed in the 'Memory PowerPoint"