Have you ever noticed how hard it can be to remember something in class especially for a test? Many students have trouble identifying why they have trouble recalling. A lot of the problem could very well be what forms of techniques they are using to study. To be able to find the best way to study a student needs to realize the ways in which information is stored. It is the goal of this paper to help students to better study and identify ways in which they can achieve this. The paper will include how information is made into a memory, how study habits can affect this by using my own example, and showcase three recommendations that psychologists have given for effective studying. These being effective note taking, the keyword technique, and practice and rehearse technique and how they have helped me become a better student.
What is memory? Before talking about how to improve it, we first need to define what memory is, and talk about the bare basics of how information is stored in memory. According to Feldman, memory is defined as “the process by which we encode, store, and retrieve information (Feldman, 2009).” The text also gives an analogy of memory as a computer, first entering information via a keyboard, then storing it on the hard drive (our brain) and then retrieving the information at a later time to view it (Feldman, 2009, p. 209). This analogy is quite an oversimplification; it takes a lot of time to convert information for permanent storage in our memory because we have three types of memory, called sensory memory, short term memory, and long term memory (Feldman, 2009). Every sight, sound and smell we are presented is initially stored into sensory memory (Feldman, 2009). These initial tidbits without any re...
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...ss for exams, and my ability to feel comfortable and confident on the exam.
In conclusion, by utilizing these methods, students might be able to perform better on their studies. Key wording and mnemonics for foreign language, note taking techniques for better preparation of study material, and over learning for long term memory commitment. If we accomplish this as early students (high school) then we will be better prepared for our higher learning endeavors.
Works Cited
Feldman, R. (2009). Essentials of Understanding Psychology. Boston: McGraw- Hill.
Mnemonics-Memory Techniques. (2009). Retrieved 7 30, 2011, from Bucks County Community College: www.bucks.edu/~specpop/mnemonics.htm
Use Colours to Improve Memory Retention. (2009). Retrieved from Get Better Grades: http://www.get-better-grades.com/use-colours-to-improve-memory-retention-comprehension.html
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