Journal 2: 10 Strategies to Enhance Students' memory - 5 views
started by Kevin Kerbrat on 05 Feb 12
started by Kevin Kerbrat on 05 Feb 12
started by Kevin Kerbrat on 05 Feb 12
started by Kevin Kerbrat on 05 Feb 12
I read a journal article from reading rockets.org. The article was titled 10 Strategies to Enhance Students' memory. I believe that we need to remember as students growing up we are learning so much that we are like sponges trying to take it all in. This is the time in an individual's life that the demands on their memory are at their peak. Just like it was stated in the article as adults we have already acquired the knowledge that we need to live our day to day lives.
I myself can relate to this topic, as they stated in the article at times a student may be doing a reading of say 3 paragraphs, and by the time they get to the third paragraph they forget what it was they read in the first paragraph. This can be very difficult for the reader to handle for the reader and can cause a lot of rereading and even more confusion as to what it was they previously were reading.
Another example they were citing in the reading is when the teacher is giving the student instructions on how to perform a task or information that they have just went over in class. This is where the students are having difficulty with their working memory. One of the 10 strategies that are talked about in the article would greatly help teachers when giving directions is to give students directions in multiple formats. This can be done by telling them the directions and visually showing them an example, which is used in a number of different strategies. Have the students visualize or make a visual cue to help them remember a topic. Having the students develop cue's for information makes it easier for them to retrieve that information. You can also have the student explain back the directions to you so they have a better understanding.
I like the idea of teaching over learning; this will show the students that more and more repetitions will give them a better mastery of the subject they are learning. I believe sometimes we are constrained by time, but if we can have the students perform this task it will drive the point home for them. To go hand in hand with this they talk about making the students become active readers. This will enhance short term and working memory. To help the students memories while reading they should highlight or take down words that will help them remember their reading.
I found it very interesting that providing students with practice tests will help them with their long term memory. It will help them with recalling information that they have been studying for a long period of time. I am thinking this will only work for younger students as the farther you get along in school the higher the stakes become on taking tests, and I don't believe teachers would allow practice tests.
The last thing that they spoke of really made a lot of sense. It is very helpful to review material before going to sleep. Research has shown that information that is studied at night before going to bed is better remembered. Just make sure you brush your teeth before reviewing because anything done after the review will interfere with the memory of the review.
I think these 10 strategies to enhance students' memory are a very good exercise and step in the right direction for the student to be able to remember things for the short term and the long term. If these guidelines were followed by teachers, students, and parents I believe it would greatly benefit the reading, studying, and memorization of students. This needs to be done at a very young age to build the groundwork for a good student.