Learning Strategies
Summary
Memory
- Our memory can be divided into three memory systems: Sensory register, short-term/working memory and long-term memory.
- New information passes from our sensory register to our short-term/working memory, where it is processed before being stored in our long-term memory.
Sensory register
- We receive stimuli via our sensory organs.
- The sensory register is the “forecourt” to our memory. It is here that the constant stream of stimuli we receive is temporarily stored in unprocessed form.
Control processes
- Control processes act as filters that only allow relevant information to enter our working memory.
- We subconsciously react to particularly conspicuous, intensive stimuli. It is therefore advisable to use colour in your notes sparingly and in a way that consciously steers your attention to specific elements.
- The extent to which we are able to focus our attention is dependent on our physical and mental well-being. So make sure you get enough sleep, keep hydrated and maintain a healthy, balanced diet!
- Your attention span is limited, which means you need to include breaks in your revision schedule (also see Section 4 “Time management").
- Avoid distractions such as television or music: You might only have them on “in the background”, but they still attract attention that could otherwise enhance and extend your learning process.
Short-term and working memory
- Our working memory is where we actively (i.e. consciously) think.
- Our short-term memory forms part of our working memory. It is characterised by not only its limited capacity, but also the short period of time for which it stores information.
- Active revision can extend the period for which information is stored in our short-term memory.
Long-term memory
- Our long-term memory contains everything we have learned in our life to date.
- It can be divided into different forms of memory depending on the type of information involved (e.g. facts, experiences, sequences of events, etc.).
- Knowledge is stored in our long-term memory as a network-like structure that links pieces of information from different areas with one another.
- This network-like structure enables us to associate different terms within our memory.
Forgetting
- Forgetting is a time-dependent phenomenon that we can counteract by revising.
- Close similarities between chunks of information can lead to mix-ups and overlaps that hamper storage and retrieval processes. This is referred to as “interference”.
- Questioning and truly understanding your learning content rather than simply learning it by heart can help prevent interference.
- You also need to set aside enough time for revision, as it will enhance your ability to process highly similar chunks of information and retrieve them at a later date.