Learning Strategies
Control processes
“Attention and the attribution of meaning are responsible for the selection of information from the sensory register and the transfer thereof to the working memory.” [1]
At any given moment we are exposed to innumerable environmental stimuli. They can be imagined as an infinite stream of information that simultaneously bombards our sensory organs and enables us to perceive sounds, smells, vibrations, warmth and cold, texture, colours, etc. If we were to actively process the information all at once our memory would quickly overload, much in the same way as a computer crashes when too many programs are open at the same time.
Our brains use so-called “control processes” to ensure this doesn’t happen. These processes constantly sift through the mass of information received by our sensory organs and filter out the stimuli with the highest level of relevance at that moment in time.
Pay attention to which sensory impressions are flowing into you at this moment. Concentrate on the various sensory organs one at a time. You will only be able to consciously perceive a fraction of the stimuli that are actually flowing into you at this moment.
Attention as control process
“The best thing a person can do to improve their memory is probably to learn to control their attention.” [2]
Who or what we focus our attention on is a decisive factor in what we consciously perceive and what is sent to our short-term/working memory for processing.
On the one hand, our attention can subconsciously be attracted by particularly conspicuous or intensive stimuli. Something unusually loud or bright is therefore likely to attract more attention than something quiet or pale. Advertising is one area in which this phenomenon is used to particular effect. Even as you read the previous sentence the word “bright” was probably the first that jumped out at you.
Unexpected stimuli that do not fit the current context can also attract our attention. To give an example, you might not normally pay too much attention to a cyclist who passes you as you walk along the street. But if they have a dog in their shopping basket, or if you are in a supermarket rather than out on the street, you are almost certain to shift your attention to them!
We are also able to consciously direct our attention to specific stimuli. This skill nevertheless demands a certain amount of practice and is dependent on our mood, motivation and energy levels.
Source [3]
12 percent!
- Control processes serve as filters. They allow only relevant information to enter the working memory.
- We react subconsciously to particularly intense and bright stimuli. Therefore, use colors sparingly and purposefully in your summaries to consciously direct your attention.
- How well we can focus our attention depends on our daily form. Therefore, make sure you get enough sleep and take good care of your body (don't forget to drink!).
- Build breaks into your learning, your attention span is limited (see also Time Management chapter).
- Avoid distractions from background noise such as a running TV or music.