Memory plays a key role in a child's learning and development. However, children often have difficulty remembering information, especially if they find it boring and difficult. Fortunately, there are methods and strategies that will improve a child's memory and make the learning process more effective and fun. In this article, we'll talk about the secrets of memory and share tips.
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How memory works
Memory is a complex process that involves encoding, storing, and reproducing information. It works through the interaction of various brain structures, such as the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. The process of remembering begins with the perception of information, which is then encoded and stored in short-term memory. When repeated or felt significant, information can go into long-term memory.
Why memory is selective
The selectivity of memory is due to its adaptive function: the brain seeks to store the most important and useful information for survival. The emotional significance of events also plays a key role — bright moments are better remembered. In addition, attention and concentration influence what information is stored — we remember what affected us the most. This selectivity makes it possible to effectively use limited brain resources and maintain cognitive productivity.
The Seven Sins of Memory
Daniel Scheckter, a professor of psychology at Harvard University, wrote The Seven Sins of Memory. In his work, he explores the nature of human memory, describing its vulnerabilities and errors. Daniel Scheckter identifies seven major memory sins.
No.1. Transience — forgetting information over time.
#2. Absent-mindedness — loss of information due to lack of attention when memorizing or reproducing.
#3. Blocking — inability to recall known information at the right time.
#4. Erroneous attribution — confusion in sources of information or a mixture of details of different events.
#5. Susceptibility to suggestion — the tendency of memory to change under the influence of external factors or other people's opinions.
#6. Bias — distortion of memories under the influence of current knowledge and beliefs.
#7. Perseverance — intrusive reproduction of unwanted memories.
Scheckter explains that these “sins” are not just shortcomings, but are the result of adaptive memory mechanisms that help us cope with a huge flow of information and make decisions based on past experience.
How to free memory from her “sins”
Here are some strategies that can help improve memory performance and minimize memory errors.
#1. Increasing mindfulness
To combat distraction, it is important to develop concentration skills. Practice mindfulness and meditation to better focus on the moment and reduce distractions.
#2. Regular repetition
To reduce transience, use techniques for repeating and consolidating information. Review important materials regularly and put them into practice.
#3. Organization of information
Structure information into logical blocks or use associations to improve memorization. This will help reduce the likelihood of blocking when trying to remember the data you need.
#4. Critical thinking
It is important to develop critical thinking to prevent misattribution and susceptibility to suggestion. Always check sources of information and be aware of how it can be distorted.
#5. Stress management techniques
Memory persistence may be due to obsessive thoughts about unpleasant events. Use stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises or physical activity, to deal with negative memories.
How to help your child remember better
#1. The technique of “pause, communication, rehearsal”
This method helps to improve the memorization and assimilation of information. Here's an example of how it can be used.
pause
When we learn new information, the brain needs a break to remember it. Let's say your new friend has given his name. Pause the conversation and mentally repeat it.
Communication
Connect new information to facts or real-life situations you know. For example, think of a friend, relative, or actor with the same name.
Rehearsal
Mentally imagine that you addressed a new friend by name. This will help you remember it for a long time.
#2. Association technique
Encourage your child to come up with images or stories related to school material. For example, if he learns the names of planets, you can imagine them as fairy tale characters. Write a story together.
#3. Use visualization
Visual images can significantly improve memorization. Encourage your child to draw a diagram or picture of what he is learning. This will help him better understand and remember the material.
#4. Use mnemonic techniques
Acronyms or rhymes make memorizing easier and more fun. For example, to remember the order of the colors of the rainbow, the phrase is often used: “Every hunter wants to know where the pheasant is sitting.”
#5. Break information into pieces
Dividing information into smaller pieces helps reduce cognitive load and makes it easier to remember. If a child learns a poem, break it down into lines or quatrains.
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