MODULE 5

MEMORY LEARNING AND IMPROVING                                 CONCENTRATION

     MEMORY AND LEARNING

WHAT IS MEMORY?

• Ø  The retention of information over time or the mind stores and remember information (mental processes / cognition), like computer software.

WHAT IS BRAIN?

• Ø  The brain is the organ, like computer hardware.

MEMORY

•   Brain ability can be enhanced through various stimuli, advice, nutrition, exercise, training, practice and taboo.
•  A healthy body guarantees a healthy and intelligent brain that is nutritious, balanced and scheduled and exercise contributes to the health of the body and affects mental health.

THE ANALOGY IS LIKE COMPUTER

·         Encoding / input (computer – keyboard, camera;

Human – the 5 senses such as: ears, mouth, eyes, nose and skin.

·         Storage (computer – hard disk, thumb drive;

Human – 3 types of memory – SM, STM, LTM)

·         Retrieval / output (computer – computer screen, printer;

Human – writing, talking

                                                                  

   

The human memory system is divided into three types namely Sensory memory (SM), Short term memory (STM) and Long term memory (LTM)

1. 1)    Sensory memory (SM)

·         Numerous incoming information from 5 senses will be stored in the sensory memory for an instant. If  one PAY ATTENTION to the stimuli, it will go to the short term memory (STM). If one does not pay attention, then the information will be lost.

1. 2)    Short term memory (STM)

·         Very limited storage. From the SM, information will be relayed to STM. While in the STM, information must be REHEARSED/ REPEATED OR use SOME ACTIVE LEARNING strategies in order to get information to LTM, otherwise information will be forgotten.

1. 3)    Long term memory (LTM)

·         This is unlimited and large storage. From STM, information moved to LTM and stored here for later use (retrieval). If the information is not being used for some time, forgetting may occur. Having cues/ strategies during encoding earlier would help in retrieval processes.

                             

                       MEMORY STRATEGIES

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?

• Ø  Memory strategies will help students in their encoding, storing, and retrieving the information (help to remember and recall).

      HOW FORGETTING COULD OCCUR

1.     Did not pay attention to the information.
2.    Did not understand the information.
3.    Cramming (last minute study).
4.    Did not have good strategies.
5.     Interference.
6.    Test anxiety.

                                   HOW TO IMPROVE THE MEMORY?

1)    Massed practice vs spaced practice

Massed practice (not good) – Cramming, involves studying all the materials at one time. Do not have time to understand, remember and organize the reading materials.

Space practice (good, recommended) – Involves space time over some period of time for studying. Spaced practice or distributed practice allows time for the information to consolidate in the long –term memory. Taking breaks between learning sessions allow you to think and organize the information.

1. )    Break reading material down (again no cramming).
2. )    Rehearsal – repeat the information many times.
3. )    Elaboration strategies:

·         Associations

To associate, or “connect” each other word or event with a person, place, thing, feeling or situation.

·         Acronyms / catchwords

Example:   MAS – Malaysian Airline System

                  UiTM – Universiti Teknologi MARA

·         Acrostics / catchphrases 

Example:   Carnivores – animal eaters

                  Herbivores - plant eaters

                  Omnivores – animal and plant eaters

                  Decomposes – eat decaying organisms

                  The Catchphrase: “Can Henry Omit Dents”

·         Imagery – visualize the image of the information needed.

·         Organizational strategies – organize the materials.

·         Comprehension monitoring strategies – need to comprehend being read – SQ3R will be a good strategy.

·         Mnemonics – a way to remember what we like and what we have in our environment.

Example: Michael Jackson Kill His Brother In University

  

  STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING CONCENTRATION

                        WHAT IS CONCENTRATION?

Concentration – focusing your attention on what you are doing.

                        CAUSES OF POOR CONCENTRATION

• 1.    Lack of attention.
• 2  .    Lack of interest.
•  3   Lack of motivation.
• 4 Distraction from others.
• 5  Uncomfortable environment.
• 6.    Physiological matters – illness, tiredness.
• 7.    Psychological matters – personal problems, worries, anxieties.

                        STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE CONCENTRATION

• 1.    Use motivational and organizational strategies
• 2.    Create a positive learning environment
• 3.     Deal with internal distractions
• 4.    Use active learning strategies (as discussed in improving memory)
• 5.    Match your learning style to the task.
• 6.    Monitor your concentration.

CONCENTRATION CHART

Date	Study task	Concentration problem	Cause	Strategy
10/7/2017	Difficult to study	Too many problems	Lots of  work to do it	Refer to the friends and lecturer
22/7/2017	Difficult to review for exam	Harassment of environment	Not enough time	Manage your time wisely

STUDY SYSTEM (SQ3R)

SQ3R: SURVEY- QUESTION- READ- RECITE- REVIEW

This strategy includes the following five steps:

Survey: Students review the text to gain initial meaning from the tittle, subtitle, chapter introduction or lead-in, boldfaced headings, graphs, charts, pictures, the final paragraph or summary and the end-of-chapter material.

 Question: Students try to form questions based on the preview.

Read: As student read, they need to look for answer to the question they formed during their preview of the text. These question, based on the structure of the text, help focus students’ reading.

  Recite: After each section, pause. Students will attempt to answer questions formed earlier. If students could not answer, then look back and fine the answer in the section. Students should recite and rehearse the answer to their questions. Summarize the information. As students move through the text they should recite or rehearse the answer to their questions and make notes about their answer for later studying.

 Review: After you have finished reading the whole reading assignment, refer back to each heading. Recall your questions and try to answer the them. If you cannot recall, go back and find the answer.